It's about friendship turning to love. The guy realizes it first, and does not express it for fear of jeopardizing the friendship. And the girl realizes it much later, when she has already made a commitment elsewhere. Ace Malayalam director Kamal has brought out very sensitively the mental agony the two characters undergo. A remake of a Malayalam film, the lines are well written, and there are some very touching moments.

Sanjay and Nithi are an inseparable two-some in college, their friendship carried over from their childhood days, their respective families too sharing a close bonding. When classmate Sneha (Jomol) expresses interest in Sanjay, it is Nithi who puts in a word to Sanjay on her behalf. And when Pravin a gazal singer (Krishna) expresses his love to Nithi, it is to Sanjay the confused girl turns for advice. And before she realizes the full implications of her actions, Nithi finds herself accepting Pravin's proposal of marriage. Nithi leaves town on a college-camp trip, and it is Sanjay who first realizes that it was something more than friendship he felt for her. As the marriage preparations are on, Sanjay unable to put on with the act decides to leave town, to the surprise of Nithi and both the families. Nithi comes to know of his feelings for her, berates him for keeping it from her, as she realizes that she too reciprocated his feelings. But the duo keeps quiet, not willing to betray the trust their families had on them. It is an agonising moment when Nithi goes to drop Sanjay at the station. But then love triumphs in the end.

It is an excellent performance from Prashant, his best to date. He brings out the subtle nuances of the character of Sanju through his expressions and body language. Shalini is a delight to watch. Whether as the care-free, spirited college girl, or the confused one who asks Sanjay whether she should reciprocate Pravin's love; or the girl suddenly realizing that she has to part with best friend Sanjay after her marriage, and asks him in all innocence, "Why couldn't you have fallen in love with me?". It is unfortunate that Shalini has bid goodbye to acting. Malayalam artistes Krishna and Jomol leave their mark on the screen.

If Fazil gave a 'Kadhalukku Mariyadai', Kamal has given 'Priyada Varam Vendum', about friendship, love and family values. A well-crafted screenplay, sensitive treatment and excellent performance from the lead pair, make it an eminently worthy film to watch.