Guest Column- Two Minute Reviews: Kuttram Kadithal (2015)

Kuttram Kadithal is another gem added to the crown of Tamil cinema. The film explores the diverse lifestyles of people and how one incident influences their life forms the crux of the story.

What happens when a newly married teacher (Radhika Prasidhha), loses her cool on the first day of her job which subsequently sends a young student(Master Ajay) to coma? That's what Kuttram Kadithal is all about as it deals with the complications of human emotions. The plot is fairly uncomplicated, but it's the way this movie has been treated that makes for an intriguing watch.

The movie starts off with its own pace taking time with the introduction of each character and their lifestyle. When the unexpected happens, here is where the movie picks up followed by the sudden turnover of the events, the realisation and the climax. The director has neatly handled the principles of filmmaking after thorough research on how the characters need to be introduced, established and utilized. Screenplay is fairly simple and engaging. Dialogues needs a special mention. They hit you hard, makes you think about the society we live in.

Among the actors, Radhika and master Ajay take away the accolades. Radhika's anger towards the child on his actions, her realisation and repentance are portrayed beautifully. The scene where Radhika bursts out to the child’s mother tells you how the heaviness of her guilt and Radhika aces it. Master Ajay has done the role of an adolescent kid very well and makes us feel for him. Other characters those including Pavel Navageethan of ‘Madras’ fame, the school correspondent and his wife need a special mention as they travel throughout the film supporting the lead characters with their skilful acting.

The film is supported by  engaging background music. The second half could have been trimmed a little so that the movie would have been crispier by delivering the message earlier than it does. Barring this, the movie is a near perfect one with its message on sex education where still we are in learning stage, the way of children treated in school. Few nuances of the director were particularly brilliant including the cover stuck onto heroine's leg, references to communism, Koothu-p-pattarai scenes and the lorry driver conversation which show the depth of how the director has analysed each and every action of human beings.

To sum it up, Kuttram Kadithal is yet another brilliant movie that shows the talent that Tamil cinema is pregnant with. It makes you think with its subtle yet impactful message.

 - Tiruchendurai Chandrasekar