There is nothing true about "Poi"

I am a self confessed fan of K Balachander (KB). Most of his outstanding works were made even before I was born, but I have enjoyed watching all of them- Aboorva Ragangal, Avargal, Aval Oru Thodarkkathai, Thanneer Thanneer, Atchamillai Atchamillai, Varumaiyin Niram Sigappu, Nizhal Nijamakiruthu, Nethrikkann, Naan Avan Illai, Manmadha Leelai etc etc. By the 90's it appeared as if KB had lost his midas touch. I was quite disappointed with Jathi Malli and Duet. That was when he started his foray into Television and voila! He was back in form. Kai Alavu Manassu was classic, Kaadhal Pakadai was good and Premi passed muster. KB continued and mediocrity started setting in. Jannal, Kashalavu Nesham, Annie- all these started beating around the bush. That was when he decided to join hands with Prakash Raj, his protege' and made "Poi" with Udaya Kiran and Vimala Raman in the lead. KB has been a master at making love stories and his earlier love stories have stood the test of time. Who can forget the soulful "Ek Duje Ke Liye"? This movie also starts like Ek Duje Ke Liye with shots of the beach (This time, it is Colombo instead of Goa) and proceeds towards introducing the protagonists. Kamban (Uday Kiran) is the son of a well meaning politician, Valluvanar who refuses to recommend Kamban for any kind of job. Frustrated, he joins the opposition party which becomes national news. Unable to bear the sudden media attack on his life, he flees to Colombo. This is where he meets his lady love (Vimala Raman) who spurns his advances. Vimala has seen her mother being tortured by her father and hates men. She wants to come up in life and is completely devoted to studies. Love and marriage do not figure in her plans for life. The rest of the movie is all about how Kamban tries to bring about a change of mind in Vimala and how their love story proceeds and ends. KB as a director was always ahead of his times in the 70's and early 80's. But, surprisingly in this film, one feels as if KB has based his characters on the youth of the 90's. A hero who will go to any extent to unite with his lover, a heroine who is completely devoted to her studies and holds on tightly to her anti- love philosophies- these characters simply do not reflect the modern Indian youth and thus, one fails to identify and sympathise with the protagonists of Poi. The script and direction has the KB stamp all over. Close up's, lots of alliterations in the dialogue, imaginative camera angles, props being used to convey the emotions of the characters- they are all there but what sadly is missing in the script is its soul. This film makes it very clear that it is time for KB to retire. Uday Kiran's boyish charm endears himself to one and all. Vimala Raman struggles. Geethu Mohandas is wasted. Renuka has been given more screen time and dialogues than needed. The rest of the characters pass muster. Vidyasagar's music is just alright. Ilayavale sung by SP Balasubhramaniam stands out. Hitler Penne is hummable. Biju Vishwanath's camerawork is poetic. The art direction is first rate but looks like the editor fell asleep towards the end of the movie. K Balachander and Prakash Raj make their appearances as "Lie" and "Fate" respectively and try to put their act as Soothradhars carrying the story forward. Unfortunately for them and the viewers, their act falls flat and fails to evoke any feeling. To sum up, "Poi" is the creation of a legendary director who is still living in his past days of glory. Ardent fans of KB should definitely stay away from this movie.