‘Haiku’ review: Aegan's romantic drama has a message but lacks freshness

What do you do after love goes wrong? ‘Haiku’ starts there and asks what a broken relationship leaves behind, and whether it can make a person better at loving the next time.

The film marks the debut of director Yuvaraj Chinnasamy, and the intent shows. He is clearly more interested in the lesson than in the surrounding drama. Manohar (Aegan) falls for Kodi (Sri Devi) during his college days in Coimbatore. It is the usual sweet beginning, with friendship slowly turning into something more. The trouble is that Mano holds on too tightly, and the film treats that as a flaw to be understood, not a quality to be admired. That is a welcome stance, since a lot of movies often present possessiveness as proof of love. Later, in Chennai, a new face enters his life in Nivedha (Femina George), who has her own bruises from a past relationship.

The film’s best idea is that every person you meet is different, so the same mistakes will not work, and the same lessons will not either. It also touches on toxic and unhealthy relationships, and does so with a light hand. The message is clear without being preachy, and younger generation in particular may find it easy to connect with.

The performances hold the film together. This is Aegan’s first film as a solo lead, and he handles the change in Mano, from a careless student to someone who has learnt a few things the hard way, with sincerity. The first half belongs to Sri Devi, who makes her Tamil debut. She is fresh and natural, and she shares an easy chemistry with Aegan. The second half belongs to Femina George, also debuting in Tamil, who brings a calm confidence to Nivi. Neither actress feels like a newcomer.

The problem is the story. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, and little moments pile up, just as they do in every romantic comedy of this type. Anyone who has watched a few of them will see the next scene coming. The film has a worthwhile point, but it never finds a fresh way to make it. The writing is content to follow the template, so even the good ideas feel like things you have heard before.

On the technical side, the film is handled by a capable team. Everything looks tidy and pleasant, though nothing in the film is bold enough to linger after the credits.

'Haiku' is a gentle, well-meaning film that says life does not end with a breakup, and that understanding why the first love failed is the way to make the next one better. It is a fair choice for a relaxed outing, especially if you like simple love stories. Expect a decent time and not much more.

'Haiku' releases in theatres on 23 October 2026.

Verdict: A one-time watch.

Rating: 1.5/5