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Pachan-Satyaraj combo works -- Onbadhu Roobai Nottu
Depends on what you look for in a film — the usual song-dance-fight routine or the realism route that offers poignant moments in a natural milieu. If it’s the latter, then Indian Cinema Factory’s ‘Onbadhu Roobai Nottu’ (
U) could be straight up your alley. The novel that won accolades from many a literary quarter, now takes celluloid form. The novelist, Thankar Pachan himself, has written the screenplay and dialogue and directed the film, besides being its cinematographer.
Emotional journey
Satyaraj has always been keen to be a part of meaningful cinema. After ‘Vedham Pudhidhu’ and ‘Kadamai Ganniyam Kattupaadu’ long ago came ‘Periyar.’ Plaudits to the performer who emerges with a spontaneous essay again in ‘Onbadhu Roobai Nottu’! The film offers enough fodder for the veteran and with every scene he scores! Archana’s inclusion signifies the importance of the role. True-to-life it may be, but her bouts of hysterical loudness tire you after a point. An award-deserving portrayal comes from Nasser. And Rohini, an apt foil, shines in the final emotional sequence.
The entire film is a journey through the triumphs and travails of Madhavar Padaiyachi. Pachan beautifully juxtaposes the past and the present of Madhavar, a son of the soil, as he takes you along with the protagonist by bus from Chennai to Panruti.
The happy joint family with wife (Archana) and children splits because the sons find Madhavar a martinet. Unable to bear the affront, he leaves the home with his wife, never to return …
The loin-cloth is fast turning into a Pachan obsession! This time it is dance director Sivasankar’s turn to stomp around in it. Aberration indeed! Art work (Jackson) is particularly noteworthy. So is Lenin’s editing. Bharadwaj’s music melds with the milieu. Accentuated by the profound, impact-making lyrics of Vairamuthu, ‘Vaelayi’ and ‘Margazhiyil’ stand out.
Debutante Inbanila doesn’t seem comfortable in the duet sequence — the contrived choreography could be a reason. But Nitish Kumar, the young hero, shows promise. Even tiny tots appear absolutely natural in ‘Onbadhu Roobai …’ though it takes time for the viewer to understand the relationship among the various characters.
Thankar Pachan’s films follow certain laudable norms. ‘Onbadhu Roobai …’ is another such. Satyaraj’s admirable underplay ought to catapult him to the National Award bracket straightway. You cannot forget this Madhavar for a long time to come — Satyaraj’s performance will not allow you to.
Onbadhu Roobai Nottu
Genre: Family drama
Director: Thankar Pachan
Cast: Satyaraj, Archana, Nasser, Rohini
Storyline: When his sons find him a hindrance, the old man decides to move away forever.
Bottomline: A little like family feuds of yesteryear cinema, but without much melodrama.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
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