Seththumaan

The music and background score by Bindhu Malini is subtle yet powerful. The film adopts a particular form of cinematography. The shots are captured handheld, and there is a lot of destabilisation in the images. The shots are long and distant from the characters, giving the camera an observant sense. It takes some time to get used to this style. The cast is all fresh, which helps the audience remember the characters more than the actors.

While a lot goes in favour of Seththumaan, including the wonderful work of composer Bindu Malini and the indie vibe of Pratheep Kaliraja’s cinematography, these same factors also act as a deterrent. Although the film operates in the mainstream space, the handheld cinematography of Seththumaan can feel alienating. The expository nature of certain scenes too comes as a distraction even if the core message is one of importance. But every single time the film runs the risk of running off course, the earnestness in the performances of a predominantly inexperienced cast brings it right back on track.

Though the stories were written a decade ago, the issue has been in existence from much before. In Varugari, the pig is slaughtered with a hammer, in the film it is killed by injecting a needle. But the changes stopped at that. The stories remain painfully relevant, and they will continue to be as long as caste is a reality,

Seththumaan chooses a light-hearted approach to serious topics and that’s a smart move by Tamizh to cater to a larger audience. The film reminds us as to how, when the world is celebrating the empowering victory of Ram Nath Kovind (who belongs to a marginalised community) as the President of India, there are millions of Poochiyappas and Kumararesans who are still struggling to live a simple, dignified life. Seththumaan also makes us realise that even when there is a conflict between two people from the dominant-caste, the marginalised are the ones who bear the brunt. The writing is so rich and layered with nuance that even when the pace feels dragged, it doesn't let you completely disengage with the film. It only warms you up for an authentic experience.