With a very promising debut in 'Alai Payuthe' Madhavan's second film was naturally awaited with great expectation. But 'Ennavale' fails to deliver on all counts. A routine storyline with the first half reminding one of films like 'Puthu Vasantham' and the twists and turns already twisted many a time in quite a few recent films, 'Ennavale' gives a sense of déjà vu throughout. There is nothing by way of novelty in script or presentation. It is just that, Madhavan goes through the same routine that others have done before him. Further the flaws in the actor that Maniratnam managed to camouflage in his film, is very much evident here - particularly in his mode of dialogue delivery.

Madhavan and his three friends, Charlie, Vyapuri and Venu, have a music troupe that sing at weddings. They are tenants of Manivannan whose daughter Sneha shares a good rapport with the youth, helping them in their time of need. Her encouragement puts a new zeal in Madhavan, who soon gains recognition as a singer. Not that this brings any change in the life style of the group, for the director still shows them as strugglers. Madhavan finally proposes to Sneha who rejects him, as she has her past to reckon with. She is a divorcee, her husband having abandoned her soon after marriage for his girl friend. When friend and neighbour Ashwini puts some sense into Sneha she decides to make amends. Incidentally, Ashwini had been hovering in the background doing almost nothing till she gets this scene to justify her presence in the film. But misunderstandings pile up between the lovers - the situations are all forced here - till the director leads the story to a desired happy ending.

The Ashwini - Thalai Vasal Vijay scenes - the jealous sadistic husband - do not jell with the rest of the plot. Worth watching is debutant Sneha! With a charm and grace that one associates with heroines of yesteryear, Sneha plays her role with the ease of a veteran.

"Ennavale" will be a disappointment to Madhavan's fans, who had been waiting with great anticipation for his next film