KPY Bala, known for his comic timing in Cooku with Comali, takes on a new dimension in Gandhi Kannadi. Moving away from his familiar space of humor, Bala proves that he can carry the weight of a lead role with both emotion and conviction. Directed and written by Sherief, the film places Bala at the center of a story that blends love, sacrifice, and emotional depth, backed by the production of Jayi Kiran and the music duo Vivek–Mervin.
The story follows Kathir (KPY Bala), who runs an event management company alongside his lover Geetha (Namita Krishnamurthy) and his team. Kathir’s life is shaped by the hardships of his childhood, where his father struggled financially, leaving the family in trouble. This past makes him value money over everything else. But his perspective begins to shift when he crosses paths with Gandhi (Balaji Sakthivel) and his wife (Archana), an elderly couple whose bond and love story touch him deeply.
Gandhi, once from a wealthy zamindar family, had given up everything for love. Now, in his 60s, his only wish is to celebrate his 60th function with his beloved wife. Despite owning property worth crores, Gandhi sells it for just 80 lakhs, valuing love over wealth. Witnessing this, Kathir slowly understands the depth of love, sacrifice, and care, leading to an emotional transformation. The climax, with the 60th year celebration, is bound to leave audiences with teary eyes.
Performance-wise, KPY Bala is a revelation. While comedy is his strength, his portrayal of Kathir proves that he can handle intense emotional and serious scenes with maturity. Balaji Sakthivel and Archana deliver heart-touching performances as the elderly couple, their on-screen chemistry making the audience believe in love that lasts a lifetime. Namita Krishnamurthy shines as Geetha, providing a balanced and mature performance that complements Bala’s role beautifully.
On the technical side, Sherief’s direction ensures that the emotions remain the soul of the film. Cinematographer Balaji K Raja captures the mood and intimacy of the story with finesse, while editor Shivanandeeswaran maintains a neat flow without unnecessary diversions. The music by Vivek–Mervin adds to the emotional weight of the film, enhancing both the lighter and heavier moments. Overall, Gandhi Kannadi is a heartfelt drama that showcases love beyond material values and establishes KPY Bala as not just a comedian, but also a strong lead actor with depth.
