'7G Rainbow Colony' Love Thy Neighbor - Selvaraghavan's earlier movie Kathal Kondein was a runaway success at the box office. It won critical acclaim, too. No wonder, the film's fabulous run pitchforked the director to the very top.

However, his latest flick, "7/G Rainbow" does not belong to the same class. That way it is a letdown for the viewers who hoped for a repeat of the "Kathal Kondein" magic. Having said this, it must be admitted that "Rainbow" is a well-made film. It only suffers in comparison.

The story revolves round a young man Kathir (Ravi Krishnan) who falls for his neighbor Anitha (Sonia Agarwal), a sophisticated Punjabi girl, who is a bit of a snob. In contrast, Kathir is struggling to make it to the top in life. But, inferiority complex stints his growth. This breeds frustration. And Kathir becomes a loafer who whiles away the time smoking and drinking. The drinking bouts in the company of his friends earn Kathir the displeasure of his neighbors.

He also has a chip in the shoulder about his father (Vijayan), with whom he is at loggerheads. Somehow the young man has got it into his head that father is his enemy. No wonder, Anitha treats Kathir with utter contempt. Of course, she spurns Kathir's overtures, which only steels his resolve to win her graces at any cost.

The initial aversion of Anitha wears off gradually. She not only softens her attitude towards Kathir but also encourages him to make it big in life. So much so, the young man now learns to even respect his 'dictator' of a father!

Music of Yuvan is a plus point. Cameraman Aravind is also in his elements. Newcomer Ravi Krishnan has turned in an impressive performance. The inferiority complex and the resultant frustration of the young man comes out very well.

But it is Sonia Agarwal as Anitha who walks away with the acting honors. The scene in the washroom where she admits her love for Kathir stands out. Suman Shetty, the hero's friend, is adequate as is Vijayan who plays Kathir's father.

The length film could have done with better editing. Particular mention must be made of the Independence Day celebrations and Karvachowth Vrath scenes, which should have been trimmed.

Be that as it may, Selvam deserves praise for making a good film without the prop of reigning superstars. One wishes the other directors take a leaf out of his book and come up with films animated by thematic novelty and freshness of approach.