I watched this movie after being intrigued by the trailer and Soori’s role. He did an amazing role here. It’s a slow-paced film. If you’re looking for a clear plot or fast-paced action, this one isn’t for you. The story is open-ended and unfolds at its own pace
The plot revolves around Pandi and Meena, who are traveling to meet a seer. Pandi is Meena’s maternal uncle. He had been abroad for a long time, while Meena is continuing her studies. When he returns, he finds out Meena is in love with a man from a different caste. The movie is set in a rural village. They are on a journey to get advice from the seer, hoping to change Meena’s mind. The film doesn’t spoon-feed the plot through dialogues. Instead, it lets the audience think and understand what’s happening through the scenes.
In the beginning of the scene, Meena’s hair is oiled and plaited while she sits alone at home. A rooster is also tied to a rock, struggling. Both Meena and the rooster are shown as being tied down by the men in their lives.
The conversations between the family members are unsettling, even though they’re within the same family. The film explores interpersonal relationships within the context of culture and village life. The discussions revolve around how others might judge them. There’s talk about the family name being spoiled, in-laws being shamed, and a planned function being ruined. All these conversations are focused on how society perceives them.
One thing to notice is the lack of proper facilities. There are no petrol stations, no proper sanitation, and mostly barren lands during their travel. Houses are scattered, and the unimportant things seem more accessible
The sisters in the movie are the most vocal. They question people, ask Meena’s father to pay the bill, criticize others, and even advise Pandi. But when it comes to talking about menstruation, they fall silent. Are they still hesitant? Or is it still taboo?
While traveling, they come across a ritual being celebrated by a random maternal uncle. Meena stares at a poster. The movie gives you time to think: will Meena follow the same path as the women in the poster? Is this her last innocent smile? Or will she be allowed to make her own choices?
There are two children in the movie: a boy and a girl. The boy, who travels with them, is unaware of what’s going on. He enjoys his snacks and feeds the rooster and stay’s in his world. But he’s the one who cries when Meena is beaten badly. The movie doesn’t reveal a hint whether he will grow up with the same patriarchal mindset. The girl, on the other hand, seems brave, controlling a bull. It’s left to us to interpret whether future generations will be brave like her when Meena looked at her, or if Meena sees herself in that girl.
Meena’s character stands out. She prays silently, bears the beatings, and even hums a love song, suggesting there’s still love for the man she’s in a relationship with. Her role captures the rigidness, silent suffering, and strength to endure the situation. The movie clearly blends themes of caste, superstition, patriarchy, and interpersonal relationships. Meena has to fight against these strong factors.
Pandi’s character is complex. At first, he’s hopeful that Meena will change her mind. He tries to make eye contact and believes she will listen. But as time passes, and after seeing her pray and hum the love song, his hope begins to fade. His ego, fear of losing her, or possessiveness causes him to lash out violently. He loses control, and you can almost see an animalistic rage in him. Even the elder people, Meena’s parents. Unexpected! He did end up of explaining his rage to her father and her mother was ignored.
The ending of the movie is open to us to interpret. When they reach the seer, another family is ahead of them for consultation. There were families irrespective of status. The woman from the earlier family stands still, unresponsive. The seer performs rituals, and at the end, a rooster is killed and tossed aside, its final moments haunting. Pandi walks away deep in thought.
The seer calls for the next family, but Pandi walks toward them, lost in his own wavering thoughts. The movie doesn’t give a clear conclusion. Maybe Pandi saw himself in the earlier family, or maybe he realized Meena won’t change. It’s also possible that his love for her made him decide to let go. I am not sure tho! The film leaves it to the us to interpret what happens next. It is available in amazon prime. Give it try!
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