In Pandiraj's family drama Thalaivan Thalaivii, which debuted today, Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen collaborate. The film falls somewhere between relatable realism and tired repetition, despite its goal of exploring the emotional roller coaster of mismatched marriages.
Overview of the Plot
Arasi (Nithya Menen), also called Perarasi, is married to Agasaveeran (Vijay Sethupathi), a diligent man who owns and operates a tiffin centre with his family. Their marriage begins promisingly but soon devolves into anarchy because of their frequent and frequently trivial arguments.
This ultimately results in a three-month separation and a petition for divorce. However, an unforeseen event rekindles hostilities and extends the dispute beyond the couple, involving their families. Will they eventually reunite, or will they drift apart forever? The film explores this emotional tug-of-war.
Analaysis and performances
The main performances are without a doubt the film's greatest asset. On-screen chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen is effortless and captures the subtleties of a relationship that oscillates between love and annoyance. Vijay's range as an actor is demonstrated in a particularly poignant scene prior to the climax, which offers a poignant moment about juggling the roles of a husband and son.
Emotional beats are masterfully elevated by Santhosh Narayanan's music, particularly the background score, which lends the scenes a sense of drama. The humour feels natural rather than
Thalaivan Thalaivii has a weak, repetitious script in spite of its strong lead duo. The narrative feels stale because it repeatedly returns to the same conflict with little development. The flow is broken by the non-linear format, which was meant to provide depth.
Yogi Babu and other supporting characters are underutilised and don't significantly advance the main plot. Especially in the second half, which drags a lot, emotional outbursts are common and start to feel excessive.
Technical Aspects
The uneven screenplay makes it difficult to fully realise Pandiraj's attempt to capture the rawness of broken relationships. While M. Sukumar's cinematography and Pradeep E. Ragav's editing are competent but not outstanding, Santhosh Narayanan's music is noteworthy. A more focused narrative and some tighter cuts would have been beneficial.
Also read: Mahavatar Narsimha movie review: A moving mythological story which cannot be missed by kids for sure
Verdict
Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen's genuine performances, along with a few emotionally stirring moments, give Thalaivan Thalaivii moments of genius. However, the film falters because of its emotionally taxing tone and circular storytelling. Fans of domestic dramas may find it appealing, but casual viewers should not have high hopes. It’s a watchable but uneven ride.
Cast: Yogi Babu, Nithya Menen, and Vijay Sethupathi
Director: Pandiraj
Arjun and Sendhil Thyagarajan are the producers.
Music by Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematography by M. Sukumar
Rating: 2.5/5
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