Photo by Teenz: Where Logic Fades and Adventure Unfolds
As a teenager, there’s nothing more thrilling than the idea of independence. For twelve adventurous souls in Parthiban’s latest film, Teenz, this desire for freedom leads them down a reckless path of discovery. But as they delve deeper into the unknown, their impulsive decisions raise more questions than answers.
“We’re not kids anymore! Our parents should treat us like adults.”
These words set the tone for a wild ride, but one that often prioritizes puns over plot. Within the first twenty minutes, the group finds themselves skipping school, trekking barefoot to their grandmother’s village, and consuming kallu (toddy). The more they push the boundaries, the more logic seems to fade away.
In the wilderness, anything can happen.
Just when the film reaches a point of peak disbelief, Parthiban introduces fantastical elements that finally allow us to embrace the absurdity. This is where Teenz truly comes alive. The witty wordplay, a hallmark of Parthiban films, shines bright in scenes like the one where a character quips, “Piss adika ponavan epdi miss aavan?”
The search for answers begins.
Despite the film’s short runtime of two hours, it feels bloated, with scenes that could have been streamlined for a tighter narrative. The promotional song “Bibli Bibli Bili Bili” and the inclusion of Yogi Babu’s character feel like commercial gimmicks that detract from the overall experience.
However, as the film shifts gears in the second half, Parthiban emerges as a captivating character with intriguing peculiarities. The exploration of scientific concepts and science-fiction elements adds a layer of mystery that keeps us engaged. The 13 teenagers, with their innocent charm, manage to keep us hooked until the very end.
The secrets hide in plain sight.
As the credits roll, we’re left with a promise of a sequel that will delve deeper into the mysteries established in Teenz. Let’s hope that next time, the film will come equipped with fewer logical loopholes and more substance.
The adventure has only just begun.
