Review of ‘Teenz’ Movie: Wit and Wordplay Steal the Show in this Teen Adventure

Parthiban’s movies stand out for their unique and fresh features, blending clever humor and inventive storytelling.

In the vibrant city of Chennai, Parthiban’s ‘Teenz’ kicks off with a teenage protagonist longing for grown-up freedom, exclaiming, ‘We’re not kids anymore! Let us be treated like adults by our parents.’ This craving for autonomy sets the stage for a string of questionable choices made by a spirited group of twelve youngsters. In a whirlwind of rebellion, they transition from skipping school to embarking on a daring barefoot journey to a grandmother’s village. However, their plans hit a snag early on with a city-wide bus strike. Fuelled by impulse, they venture on, even resorting to drinking toddy and persisting through challenges, including a friend’s disappearance. As their logic fades, a stubborn resolve to prove their maturity emerges, leading to increasingly risky situations. Just when the plot seems to stretch belief, Parthiban injects fantastical elements, inviting us to embrace the absurdity.

Known for his quirky flair and clever wordplay, Parthiban infuses ‘Teenz’ with a healthy dose of wit. Amidst a pivotal moment of a missing friend, a humorous remark lightens the mood as a character quips, ‘How can someone who went to pee go missing?’ Romance blooms between Adithyan and Nainika, accentuated by the heartfelt song ‘Kaanathathai Naan Kandene.’ While this adds depth to a subsequent conflict, it contributes to a sense of narrative overflow, despite the film’s concise two-hour runtime. ‘Teenz’ could have benefitted from tighter editing, possibly trimming certain scenes and character arcs like Yogi Babu’s. In a recent interview, Parthiban expressed his aversion to commercial elements, yet ‘Teenz’ seems to have succumbed to such trends with the inclusion of a promotional song ‘Bibli Bibli Bili B.’ Hope this revised version captures the essence you were looking for!

In the first half, the movie’s pacing could use a bit of tweaking, but things take a fascinating turn in the second half. Parthiban really shines as a character, bringing in some intriguing quirks. Initially, when the kids vanish, it feels like something supernatural is at play, but later on, the story takes a twist towards a scientific concept that’s both captivating and unproven. As Parthiban, or Jana, dives into these sci-fi elements, the plot gains momentum, although it feels like there’s more to explore. Jana’s character, rocking those special glasses that supposedly reveal hidden truths, and dropping lines like ‘speed equals distance divided by time,’ hint at a deeper mystery waiting to be unraveled. By the end, the movie leaves you curious and craving for more.

The standout aspect of the movie has to be the group of 13 teenagers. Their genuine performances and innocent charm really keep us engaged throughout. The film sets the stage for a potential sequel, hinting at delving deeper into the established mysteries. After watching it, I couldn’t help but think that maybe next time they could iron out some of the logical hiccups – like opting for an Uber instead of a barefoot journey, right?

Movie: Teenz

Director: Parthiban

Starring: Prashitha, Rishie, Frankinsten, Deepesshwaran, Asmitha, Deepan, Sylvensten, Kritika, Roshan, Parthiban

Rating: 2/5 stars