I am not sure if I can title this as a movie review, since I want to talk about the role played by Muthu. I am not sure if it was her acting skills, the role she played, or the plot that made me write this. I see this as a rural version of Malargal Kettean (a short film) with regard to the female lead. Maybe an extended version of it.
The core theme of imposing marriage onto individuals was clear. The movie brought out so many layers that play into an arranged marriage, or into marriage itself: the parents, relatives, caste, money, friends, and even one’s own ability to handle a relationship. Before proceeding to Muthu, the director (Nitiz) himself played an amazing role. Not every man has the guts to say no based on his ability to handle a relationship. He was honest rather than wasting Muthu’s life, late though! In reality, many don’t do that. “No” is the best thing.
Back to Muthu. Very fine details of Muthu’s character were established in the beginning. She had very few dialogues, but the emotions were conveyed. Most daughters are trained right from birth to take care of themselves and the family from household chores to earning an income for themselves (a recent update). I felt Muthu was looking for a rescue through Nitiz, a way to escape her home. To her surprise, that failed too. I am not sure if Maruthu was also her rescue option; even so, she doesn’t have a choice to pick. No cards to play at her end.
Maruthu did have an event that brought out the changes in him and in his feelings towards Muthu. The most subtle thing the movie focused on was the space Maruthu gave Muthu to think, rather than rushing her decision. There was no pressure to rush. The dance on the stage and the screaming in front of them were beautifully portrayed, for when her words couldn’t be communicated. Maruthu had the choice to move out of town to grieve, while Muthu doesn’t. Maybe that stresses the role of Maruthu in Muthu’s life. Reassurance or accountability or maybe both.
People were comparing this to Dude. In that, Paari was confident about Kural. Such comparisons can’t be made when the access and the choices are different.
The reason for the marriage was reasonable. That reminded me of the movie Care of Kadhal. The roles played by the others (each one took their space to be remembered) were also good, the team of men and the team of women separately. Their conversations were entirely different from each other. The humour worked in most places. The movie subtly pushed you to think in a few places: the training for a long jump, the touch on the bike, the frequent calls from the partner.
Fun to watch. Will stir an impact? Not sure. Maybe If Muthu had a few more dialogues to go with those emotions.
Cheers!
Check out the previous post: Story Time #02: Salt Biscuits! & Other Movie Reviews
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