Tamil Kudimagan review: Esakki Karvannan’s directorial throws light on the evils of caste

Director Esakki Karvannan delivers a hard-hitting drama that raises a pertinent point on the caste system and strives to shine a light on why it still exists.

Tamil Kudimagan, the story of which seems to have been inspired by a real-life instance, approaches the issue of caste from an angle that has seldom been discussed.

Chinnasamy (Cheran), an enterprising youngster from an oppressed class, lives in a small village. For generations, the men in his family have been performing the last rites of those who pass away in the village.

However, hurt by the way the villagers look down on him and his family members because of their traditional profession, Chinnasamy aspires to become a Village Administrative Officer (VAO).

Therefore, he studies hard and looks to clear the VAO exam.

His younger sister is a medical student and is well on her way to becoming a doctor.

However, the villagers, especially those from the upper castes, are not too pleased with Chinnasamy’s attempts to change his family profession.

Sudalaiyandi (Lal) and his son-in-law Esakki (Aruldass), in particular, look down upon Chinnasamy as the lower caste people and want them to remain that way.

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Brunt of caste

Things take a turn for the worse when it comes to light that Chinnasamy’s sister Valli (Deepshika) is in love with a boy from Sudalaiyandi’s upper-caste family.

An enraged Sudalaiyandi and Esakki thrash the poor girl and warn her of dire consequences.

The incident leaves Chinnasamy’s family rattled. The man sends his sister to a hostel far away from the village but is outraged at the humiliation they have been subjected to.

He realises that the villagers will continue to ill-treat him because of his family’s profession and makes a decision that he will no longer continue his family’s profession.

Six months later, Sudalaiyandi’s father passes away. When the villagers summon Chinnasamy to perform the last rites, he flatly refuses saying he has changed professions.

This enrages the villagers and they look to insist that he perform the last rites.

Without none to perform the last rites, the body of the village elder has to be moved to a morgue. What happens then forms the rest of the story.

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Shines light on caste issues

Tamil Kudimagan reminds us that caste and traditional professions are closely interlinked.

While caste has been discussed with regard to some sought-after professions (like priests in temples) and how these professions have to be made accessible to people of all communities, there has seldom been discussion about the other end of the spectrum — which is jobs that nobody wants to do.

The film also throws light on the fact that people from the oppressed classes are — to this day — forced or compelled to perform certain tasks that nobody else wants to perform.

Further, it highlights the fact that even an attempt by those from the oppressed classes to practise professions of their choice and move away from their traditional professions invites the wrath of those who consider themselves to be from the upper castes.

Just for the facts that it showcases and the points that it puts across, Tamil Kudimagan can be declared a winner.

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Performances

Director Cheran delivers a fine performance in this film, too. He keeps intact the reputation that if he is a part of a film, one can expect it to be a meaningful and satisfying one.

Tamil Kudimagan also has excellent performances coming from Lal (who plays Sudalaiyandi) and Aruldass.

Director SA Chandrashekar, the father of actor Vijay, appears in a small but substantial role in this movie.

Strangely and sadly, Sam CS’s music does not impress this time around. For some reason, the background score does not work well with the story.

In fact, it is kind of distressing and distracts you from the developments happening on screen.

Cinematographer Rajesh Yadav’s visuals are captivating and keep you hooked.

Sudarshan’s neat editing keeps the film crisp and short.

Director Esakki Karvannan deserves a round of applause for the story he has sought to tell and the manner in which he has told it.

Verdict

Tamil Kudimagan might not have much to offer in terms of entertainment, but it is a winner nevertheless!

(Views expressed here are personal.)