Thalaikoothal review: A hard-hitting, realistic story that is bound to move you!

Pazhani (Samuthirakani) is a loving and dutiful son, an adorable dad, and a loyal husband, living with his poor family that comprises his bedridden dad Muthu (Kalaiselvan), his school-going daughter and his wife Kalai (Vasundhara), who works in a matchbox factory to supplement the family income.

Pazhani, who is a gifted mason, has stopped going to work to take care of his dad, who, after a freak accident, has been left immobile.

Muthu can neither move nor speak or, for that matter, even open his eyes. He lies listless all day. However, he can hear what is happening around him.

While Pazhani dutifully attends to the poor old man, lovingly cleaning him and carefully checking if his vitals are in order, his young daughter pitches in by helping feed the old man through a food pipe every day.

Despite not having adequate wealth or resources, Pazhani does everything that a son can do for his dad.

He works as a sentry at an ATM during the night to provide for the family and takes care of his father during the day.

He borrows heavily to treat his dad, fervently hoping that he will recover.

Sadly though, there is no development for a long time and everybody around him gives up hope, including his wife, Kalai, who often keeps asking him to resort to Thalaikoothal.

Pazhani, however, refuses to give in to her demands and give up on his dad.

One day, a miracle happens and Muthu opens his eyes much to the joy of Pazhani.

What happens then is what the film is all about.

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Sincere making

The film, which starts at a gentle pace, continues at the same pace right till the very end.

It is a story told in all sincerity, and that sincerity is what keeps you hooked to the screen from start to finish.

There are no songs or dances. There are no action sequences. There is no drama. And yet, this film commands all your attention.

It is a story that has been told without making any compromises whatsoever. It is a story that is rooted in realism. Even the romantic portions which come in the film are natural.

Reflects reality

The film holds a mirror to society and shows its ugly face to itself. It shines a light on how situational pressure and poverty can make even the most dedicated of children indulge in crimes that they would shudder to even think about.

The film has some sterling performances to offer.

Samuthirakani as Pazhani steals the thunder. The national-award winner comes up with yet another powerful performance as the dedicated son.

Vasundhara Kashyap, who plays Pazhani’s wife Kalai, delivers an impressive performance as well.

Good performances

Two actors play the role of Pazhani’s dad Muthu. Actor Kathir plays the role of the young Muthu, while assistant director Kalaiselvan plays the older Muthu. Both actors have done complete justice to their characters in the film.

One hears that Kalaiselvan even went to the extent of losing weight and staying hungry while shooting for the film to ensure that Samudrakani, who has to carry him in several sequences in the film, didn’t have to struggle too much.

Kannan Narayanan’s background score is just mellifluous and the most apt for this plot. His music tugs at your heartstrings and transports you to the era in which the story is happening. In short, his music is a big plus for the film.

Director Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan has attempted to make a film that is true to its soul and one must say he has succeeded in his mission.

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Verdict

However, a word of caution. This film is not for the light-hearted or those looking for entertainment.

This is a film that is meant for those who enjoy intense hard-hitting stories that refuse to go away from your mind, long after you have left the theatre.