Now, the movie. When I watched the trailer, I knew this. The
film can be mediocre, but Radikaa’s performance is going to be the engine and
anchor to the boat.
This is one of those rare Tamil films that exceeded my
expectations. I am glad that they didn’t do too much revelation in the trailer, as
they wont to do. The trailer just showed Radhikaa in her older make-up going
around showing her devil-may-care attitude.
But that Radhikaa you will only see perhaps the first half hour and then the climax, as the character would be bedridden throughout
the film.
Yet, you will still feel her presence.
It’s a simple story. Apparently, she has some heavy jewelry
stashed away. And she has sons and daughters-in-laws wanting to have their paws
on the assets.
Speaking of jewelry, you can still melt the old gold and
make new ornaments. That is exactly what director Sivakumar Murugesan did. Those
old film lovers like myself knows KS Gopalakrishnan, P.R Banthulu and later
Visu, and how they made what you would call “family” genre into very entertaining
thrillers where characters clash.
Sivakumar did exactly that. It brought me back to that time.
All the actors delivered their best. Background score? It did what it should,
not interfering where it should.
The story is not original, as mentioned. Cliche. But what
mattered was the performance, and Radhikaa was phenomenal. I want her to win
that prestigious National Award for best actress. She bloody delivered. Even in three-quarters of the film she was just shown in a hospital bed. She ruled.
What an actress. I even saw shades of her dad, M.R. Radha, at some point.
No bloodshed, no hero worship.
I hope the film does well in its run. Most reviews and YouTubers, as well as crowds coming out of theaters are euphoric about it. But there's something I am not sure about. Apparently the film talks about women empowerment. Sure, Radhikaa's character is super strong. But there is not much advocation on gals' empowerment. The daughter-in-laws, all three, are portrayed as opportunist female canines. Perhaps, the scheming men are portrayed so negatively that women surfaced as better souls. I don't know.
Anyway, thank you Sivakumar Murugesan for this wonderful film. And yes, Sivakarthikeyan who
produced it. Who knew, eh?
