Paava Kadhaigal Review
Star Cast : Prakash Raj, Sai Pallavi, Kalidas, Shanthanu, Anjali, Kalki, Gautham Menon, Simran
Director : Gautham Menon, Vetrimaaran, Vignesh ShivN, Sudha
Paava Kadhaigal is undeniably an interesting watch in the Tamil OTT space. The topics that are handled in the film are familiar, but the four filmmakers (Vetrimaaran, Gautham Menon, Sudha Kongara, and Vignesh ShivN) have given a fresh color to their respective theme and delivered a hard-hitting (except for Vignesh's portion, which is super entertaining) anthology.
Oor Iravu
Directed by Vetrimaaran, Oor Iravu is the typical honor killing that exists in the caste chauvinistic societies of southTamil Nadu. Sai Pallavi plays an educated girl from a small town who elopes with the man of her choice who is from a lower caste. After a few years, her dad (Prakash Raj) visits her flat in the city when he hears that she is pregnant. He takes her back to the village for the baby shower function. What happens to Sai Pallavi in her village on the baby shower night is the crux of the episode.
Though Prakash Raj played several characters with negative shades in the past, he is unseemingly brutal in Oor Iravu that we hate him for his unapologetic inclination towards his caste. Sai Pallavi has once again proved that she is one of the powerhouse performers of this generation, the way she pleads to her dad is sure to melt your hearts.
Though the episode starts as a happy reunion, it would shake you in the end.
Thangam
Directed by Sudha Kongara, Thangam is set in the 80's. Unlike Oor Iravu, this doesn't talk about caste but a bigger yet unnoticed topic of how people look at the transgender community. Kalidas Jayaram as the effeminate Sathar is a revelation, as his body language, dialogue delivery, and mannerisms are impeccable. Shanthanu has delivered a measured performance. One can also call it a triangular love story as Kalidas has a crush on Shanthanu whereas the latter is in love with the former's sister.
Sudha cracked the Madurai belt in Soorarai Pottru, she has authentically portrayed the Coimbatore belt in Thangam! Though the movie is set in the 80s, our society hasn't changed a bit and continues to illtreat the transgender community. Thangam has some lovely moments that will leave you with a lump in your throat
Vaan Magal
Gautham Menon's Vaan Magal talks about the after-effects of child abuse and how the normal middle-class Indian families treat the horrific crime. Simran plays the typical Tamil mom who believes that girls should protect their body and cover herself from the flesh seeking animals. Gautham plays a doting dad who gives enough freedom to his son and unconditionally loves his two daughters. Had it been any other Tamil film, Gautham would've traced down the criminal who abused his daughter but here, he has smartly given the space for the young and unfearing Aditya Baskar the moment for heroism. Simran is brilliant, especially in the scene where she continuously cleans the girl after the brutal incident and emotionally breaks down in the bathroom. Gautham is good but can improve in emotional scenes.
The film has two endings just like Gautham Menon's Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya but we prefer to take the positive climax where the young girl continues to dream high with the love and affection of her family!
Love Panna Uttranum
Vignesh ShivN's Love Panna Uttranum is a story which should not be taken in a serious zone, unlike the other three episodes. The caste reference in the film looks like an imaginary world because the backdrop doesn't denote any particular community in Tamil Nadu.
Though both Oor Iravu and Love Panna Uttranum talk about caste-based honor killings, Vignesh has treated the topic with his uncanny humor. His ability to bring laughter even in a serious scene is a big boon for the filmmaker.
Anjali plays a dual role of Aadhi and Jothi in the film and needless to say, she has done a neat job. Padam Kumar as the caste chauvinistic dad is a good find, we are sure that the Podaa Podi producer will get more roles in future. Though Kalki's name grabbed our attention, her role is nothing big to rave about.
On the whole, Paava Kadhaigal is a film with the perfect ingredients; made with honesty and a touch of innocence. No wonder it will leave you feeling very rewarded.
