Hyperlink films are very interesting. When the way characters are connected and the narrative style are engaging, such films can offer an incredible experience. Karthick Naren, having proven his talent with his very first film, made me curious to watch “Nirangal Moondru,” especially with its strong star cast.The film revolves around the disappearance of a schoolgirl. On one side, her boyfriend and father are searching for her. On the other, there’s an aspiring director and his father, who happens to be a policeman. The story connects these four individuals with the missing girl, weaving their lives together.The positive aspect is that the film wraps up in just two hours. Kudos to the decision to keep it short, as even those two hours felt stretched at times. The story is unique and has potential, but the execution leaves much to be desired.The main issue is that the most crucial element—the mystery of what happened to the missing girl—ends up being dull and uninspiring. Since the missing girl is played by Ammu Abhirami, one would at least expect a murder or some significant twist. Instead, the revelation feels underwhelming, making one question the buildup. There’s no thrill, no twists, nothing surprising. It feels like there could have been at least one interesting character to keep things engaging, but all the characters, despite being played by capable actors, end up annoying the audience instead.Atharvaa’s character involves the use of marijuana, synthetic drugs, and other substances, presented in a very flashy, almost glorified manner, as if suggesting it’s cool. There’s even a classroom discussion on marijuana. The film spends most of its time showcasing these elements rather than focusing on the actual story, with mentions of drugs like E and M being thrown around without much purpose.The character exposition for Rahman and Sarath Kumar was also boring. Rahman’s backstory, in particular, feels like the epitome of lazy writing. Sarath Kumar’s corrupt policeman, portrayed as a good father, offers nothing fresh. The so-called “variety” in the narrative fails to impress. The film tries to create an engaging hyperlink structure with reverse storytelling, but it feels stretched and unnecessary. Atharvaa’s character makes one wonder if he is inspired by a real-life director, but that’s the only curiosity it manages to generate.Despite being certified UA by the CBFC, the film feels like it glorifies synthetic drug use. The way it portrays drug-induced euphoria, with trendy songs like Sajanka’s and tracks by The Weeknd, makes it seem like a trigger for substance use rather than a cautionary tale.Overall, this is not a film I would recommend. Karthick Naren seems to prove with this film that “Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru” might have been a one-time wonder. This is not just lazy writing but an example of lazy filmmaking. Ironically, the main character in the film is an aspiring director, which adds to the irony.