Azhagar Saamiyin Kuthirai – Tamil Movie Review

What differentiates Hollywood films from Kollywood? The technical aspects? Definitely not, as the technicians down herein are excelling with their efforts… But then, the difference lies with ‘Novel Adaption’ as most of the Hollywood films are based on novels while in Indian film industry, it’s a far-from act. Though, we find such films made now and then, it’s rare of its kind. Filmmaker Susindran has now attempted with such an endeavor of making a film based on the story written by Sakthi Bhaskaran.

Much alike the other films based in backdrops of village, we find that certain characterizations are little clichés, but only to a certain extent. On the pars, unique characterizations stand out as the major highlight of this film. The other thing that makes the film highlighting is the distinctive narrative structure. With ‘Azhagar Saamiyin Kuthirai’, filmmaker Susindran makes it clear that a film’s success needn’t be defined by the big star-casts and technicians, but by substantial quality.

The film is set in the era of 1982 across the village of Mallayapuram. The villagers strongly believe the ritual practices of having a ‘Thiruvizha’ annually with a belief that it will bring good rainfall and big harvest, so that prosperity persists. The ritual-practice involves God’s deity carried on wooden horse as a part of tradition. Unfortunately, the wooden horse goes missing, it becomes a mess. And all of sudden, a horse arrives in village that results in assumption amongst the villagers that it’s godsend and decide to have it with them. Then comes Azhagar Saamy (Appukutty), claiming that to be his own horse. But, the villagers aren’t willing to give it back, which results in an emotional drama.

Right from his previous movie, director Susindran has been maintaining a decorous way of storytelling process, by keeping the running length crispier. Having handled this film with some new actors and not so familiar ones, it would have become a dull show, if the duration was extended to a longer duration. The performance by all the star-casts deserves special mention as they have lived under the skin of their characterization. Susindran has blended humor and emotions with a panache that keeps audiences engrossed at moments. But the moments become slightly sluggish during second half, but keeps everyone guessing about the climax.

Ilayaraja’s songs and background score offer a significant role in enhancing the visual feel of the film. Cinematography by Theni Eshwar is brilliant and his work for the song ‘Kudhikira’ is worth appreciable.

There are no major minuses in the film, but it may take some more time for appealing to the interests of masses of commercial cinema. But to mark our verdicts, it’s an excellent effort by the entire team.

Cast & Crew:

Banner: Escape Artists Motion Pictures, Cloud Nine Movies

Production: Madan, Dayanidhi Azhagiri

Direction: Susindran

Story: Sakthi Bhaskaran

Star-casts: Appukutty, Saranya Mohan and others

Music: Ilayaraja

Verdict: Different stream of Cinema.