I think I've mentioned earlier that comedy ages the least among cinema's facets. Advances in technology and changes in viewer sensibilities have brought about changes in the way romance, sentiments and action are picturized and the way we view them but comedy is almost timeless in that the same things that made us laugh several decades ago will make us laugh today also. One of the films that stands as testimony to this fact is Aan Paavam, Pandiyarajan's second directorial venture and first film as hero, which was released almost 20 years ago. Just as funny today as it was then, it is one of Tamil cinema's evergreen comedies.

While comedy is timeless, it definitely has gone through several changes over the years and the simple, inoffensive comedy of the past has given way comedy that is heavy and almost mean-spirited. Koundamani-Senthil introduced verbal abuse into the comedy lexicon as laughs were derived from Koundamani addressing Senthil using a variety of imaginative but insulting names. It was Vadivelu who turned physical abuse into comedy as he put himself at the receiving end of blows(first by Kovai Sarala and eventually, by pretty much everybody) that sometimes even left him bleeding. Vivek made comedy socially relevant by addressing some important issues via his comedy track. And ofcourse, double entendres and sexually suggestive comedy has increased as movies themselves became bolder. Aan Paavam is a throwback to a time when comedy was none of these things and allows us to laugh without having to think or cringe.

Periyapadi(Pandiyan) and Chinnapandi(Pandiarajan) are the sons of Ramaswamy(V.K.Ramaswamy), a theater owner. Ramaswamy finalizes Periyapandi's wedding with his friends' daughter but due to a mix-up, Periyapandi ends up seeing a different girl Seetha(Seetha). Periyapandi and Seetha develop feelings for each other without realizing the mix-up. The friend's daughter Revathi(Revathi) is shattered when Periyapandi informs her that he cannot marry her but Periyapandi is unwilling to forget Seetha.

Aan Paavam is not what what one would term a 'clever comedy'. Its screenplay is simple and once the pieces are in place, it proceeds with no big twists or turns. It doesn't have any plot points or situations where we admire the brilliance with which it is constructed or moved forward. Its jokes are simple and overt and don't try to be subtle or clever. But what unwinds on screen is so funny that we don't ask for anything more. The very funny script and the well-selected cast keeps us smiling most of the time and laughing out loud at many places.

There are a few segments like Karagaattakkaaran's vaazhappazham routine or Thiruvilaiyaadal's Tharumi segment that almost define the movie. That's the scene that immediately comes to mind when we think of the movie. The "Muttiducha?" in Aan Paavam can probably be added to that list. As Pandiarajan guides the car along as it moves in reverse and then nonchalantly informs the driver that it has hit the wall, it defines both his character and the kind of comedy we can look forward to. Its one of those rare instances that is always hilarious, even when we know the punchline. The film's first half is filled with such sequences, - some long, some short - that almost all work. Janakaraj's travails, as he tries to unsuccessfully equal his brother's success by starting a hotel, make up what could be called the movie's comedy track. The segments here are not just funny(like the date he picks to open the hotel) but also clever(like a customer's plan to buy clothing and laddoos) and so don't let the movie's comedy flow ebb.

Aan Paavam works because Pandiarajan treats everything with just the right amount of humor. Like the relationship between Pandian and Seetha that serves up romance and comedy mixed perfectly. His first visit to her house has many such instances(Pandian getting an empty glass since Seetha brings him coffee in two glasses stuck to each other, Seetha raising herself on tiptoes to match his height, etc.) that makes their romance very sweet and even casual comments(like Seetha asking him to pick his watch up if he wants, after he teases her) make us laugh. The same is true of the relationship between V.K.R and his sons. His sarcastic comments about them and their comebacks("If you can marry my mom, why can't I marry your mom?!" is a classic) make their conversations hilarious. Pandian and Pandiarajan too needle each other and exchange some gems("kathina kuthuven; kuthina kathuven") but when the time comes, they also get the chance to show that they care for one another.

That is not to say that the movie is a non-stop laughathon. The consequences of the mix-up in girls are quite serious with an attempted suicide(that results in Revathi becoming a mute) and Pandian and Seetha becoming distraught lovers on the verge of breaking up. A large stretch of the movie during this time has very few laughs. The few attempts at comedy(like Pandiarajan's visit to Revathi's house) are also not that effective. But the comedy in the rest of the movie is so successful that Aan Paavam is always thought of as anything but a full-length comedy. And ofcourse, things are closed off so we have a big smile on our lips when the end credits roll.

Pandiarajan spent a considerable amount of time as Bagyaraj's assistant director and so it comes as no surprise that he employs his mentor's style in acting also. He uses his big eyes to good effect with the thiruttu muzhi and the laughs are usually on him. Revathi is the only 'big' name in the film and brings out the contrast between her initial playful nature and her mellowed self later. Pandiyan is adequate but Seetha makes a strong debut as a shy but strong-willed girl. V.K.Ramaswamy, with his very unique dialog delivery style, makes almost all his lines drip with sarcasm and is absolutely hilarious. Kollangudi Karuppayi, who was enormously popular at that time, sings a few short songs in her trademark voice and style.

The opening Indhiran Vandhadhum... song is a much better tribute to cinema than the weak, Rajni-centric one from Kuselan. Touching on many important personalities and events from both inside and outside Tamil cinema, it is sung with vigor by Ilaiyaraja. He also lends his voice to Kaadhal Kasakkudhaiya..., which is a simple group dance but makes up for that with the humor in its lines and Pandiarajan's dance. Kuyile Kuyile... is a very melodious number while S.Janaki has a lot of fun singing Ennai Paada Sollaadhe.... Ilaiyaraja as always comes with up an amazing background score and the pieces that accompany the Pandiyan-Seetha meetings are fantastic.