Nandhan, a Tamil drama directed by Era Saravanan, stars M. Sasikumar and Suruthi Periyasamy in lead roles. Released in September 2024, the film dives into the struggles of rural life, focusing on societal issues with a thought-provoking narrative. Known for his films highlighting underdog stories, Era Saravanan presents Nandhan as a deeply emotional and socially relevant drama, blending strong performances with a storyline that seeks to make the audience reflect on societal inequalities. While the film shines in certain areas, it struggles to maintain its momentum throughout.
Plot Overview
Nandhan follows the life of Koozh Paana, portrayed by M. Sasikumar, a hardworking man from a rural village. The plot revolves around his efforts to overcome the societal barriers and prejudices that keep him and his family on the margins of society. Through Koozh Paana’s struggles, the film touches on several pressing social issues, such as caste discrimination and economic disparities in rural Tamil Nadu.
Koozh Paana’s journey is intertwined with that of Selvi (played by Suruthi Periyasamy), a strong-willed woman whose life intersects with his. Together, their stories unravel the harsh realities of their village, exposing the deep-rooted challenges they face. The film builds on these themes, using Koozh Paana’s trials to showcase both personal and societal battles, making the audience empathize with his plight.
Performances
M. Sasikumar delivers a solid performance as Koozh Paana. Known for his grounded acting style, Sasikumar embodies the character’s resilience and vulnerability with finesse. His portrayal of an underdog fighting against the odds is both believable and moving, adding depth to the film’s narrative. Suruthi Periyasamy, in her role as Selvi, complements Sasikumar’s character well, bringing a quiet strength to her performance. The supporting cast, including veteran actors Samuthirakani and Balaji Sakthivel, also give strong performances that add to the film’s emotional weight.
However, while the cast is commendable, there are moments where the film feels overly dramatic, especially in its portrayal of the antagonists, which slightly diminishes the realistic feel that the movie otherwise aims for.
Direction and Cinematography
Era Saravanan’s direction is at its strongest when it focuses on the rural landscape and the everyday struggles of the villagers. The filmmaker captures the essence of life in the countryside with authenticity, making the audience feel like they are part of Koozh Paana’s world. The cinematography, handled by R. V. Saran, beautifully captures the Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts, where the movie was filmed. The wide shots of the rural landscape combined with close-up shots of the characters’ faces add to the emotional intensity of the scenes.
Saravanan, however, stumbles in pacing. While the first half of the film sets up the characters and their world with precision, the second half feels stretched, with certain subplots slowing down the narrative. The editing, overseen by Nelson Anthony, could have been tighter, particularly in the latter half, to maintain the movie’s initial engagement.
Music and Soundtrack
The music by Ghibran Vaibodha complements the film’s tone effectively. His background score subtly enhances the emotional moments without overpowering them. The songs, while not chart-toppers, fit well within the narrative and reflect the cultural backdrop of the film. However, none of the tracks stand out as particularly memorable beyond the viewing experience.
Themes and Social Relevance
The strongest aspect of Nandhan lies in its thematic core. The film tackles significant issues such as caste-based discrimination, poverty, and societal expectations, making it more than just a personal story of one man’s struggle. Era Saravanan’s script seeks to shine a light on these critical issues through the lens of Koozh Paana’s life. While Tamil cinema has addressed such topics before, Nandhan stands out for its unflinching portrayal of the raw and harsh realities of rural life.
However, the movie’s message is somewhat diluted by its uneven pacing and occasional melodrama. Certain scenes, particularly involving the village’s antagonists, feel exaggerated, which may detract from the serious social commentary the film is trying to deliver.
Final Verdict
Nandhan is a film that excels in its portrayal of rural struggles, bolstered by strong performances from its lead actors, particularly M. Sasikumar. Era Saravanan’s direction and the beautiful cinematography bring the story to life, immersing viewers in the world of Koozh Paana. The movie’s commentary on social issues is powerful and relevant, though it could have benefited from a more consistent pace and toned-down melodrama.
For fans of Tamil cinema looking for a film with heart and a message, Nandhan offers a thought-provoking narrative that, despite its flaws, resonates deeply. However, its uneven execution may not appeal to all viewers, especially those seeking a more fast-paced drama.
Overall, Nandhan is a commendable attempt to tackle important social issues, though it stumbles in its execution. It leaves an impact, but its lasting power may depend on how much the audience connects with the themes and the slower second half of the film. Rating: 3/5.
