Yaathisai review: Dharani Rasendran’s directorial debut impresses

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By Manigandan KR

20/04/2023

Debutant director Dharani Rasendran breaks the conventions to tell a gripping but grim historical story soaked in blood and battle through Yaathisai (South side).

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Yaathisai is set in the time of the great Ranadheera Pandian, the famed Pandya king who is believed to have never lost a war. 

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It tells the fictional story of Kothi, an Eyinar chieftain who manages to almost defeat Ranadheera Pandian.

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Dharani Rasendran should be congratulated for his team’s extensive research, casting and narration. The film has some exceptionally shots and gripping action sequences.

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Despite the dialogues being in ancient Tamil, the film works because of the director’s honourable intentions and the raw manner in which the story is told.

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Every single actor in Yaathisai delivers. Shakti Mithran as Ranadheera Pandian and Seyon as Kodhi, in particular, stand out.

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Rajalakshmi and Vaidhegi Amarnath as Devaradiyar women, too, impress us. Guru Somasundaram delivers what is necessary.

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Music director Chakravarthy’s background score is apt and intensifies the mood and the emotion being showcased on screen.

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Yaathisai is not without its share of problems. It is extremely violent and disturbing. The male actors are often sparsely dressed.

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Towards the end of the flick, the director presents some of his political thoughts on the developments. However, not all are acceptable.

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