Top 5 Tamil Films of 2019
by Inakshi Chandra-Mohanty
The finest Tamil film of this year is one that can be defined as pure craziness. Super Deluxe is a three hour long lecture on the meaning of life, blurring lines between good and evil, that viewed in a socio-political context can be both motivating and dangerous. In a classic case of hyperlink cinema, the film is set across two days with four stories, interlinked with one another by one factor: coincidence. As the film goes on, going back and forth between the stories, events slowly begin to spiral out of control, building tension and leading to a fruitful climax. In all aspects, including writing, cinematography, editing, acting, direction, the film achieves perfection. Director Thiagarajan Kumararaja is heavily inspired by films as is seen through his references to films ranging from Disco Dancer to Kill Bill to Star Wars, making Super Deluxe a treat for film aficionados.
Read my full review here.
Peranbu is not just a film, it’s a piece of exquisite art. Every frame is designed as a painting. A visually captivating, emotionally exhilarating film, Peranbu is the story of a man, Amudhavan as he attempts to understand his handicapped daughter’s struggles, while raising her in a society unwilling to accept her. Through its many stages, the film explores life in connection to nature. The progressions range from the most beautiful to the most ruthless. But Amudhavan never loses hope. At its core, the film is a human story. It’s a character study into this man’s emotional evolution as he raises the daughter he has never known. The emotions are explored beautifully through well-written characters, motivating visuals, and a hopeful soundtrack. With each detail fine-tuned to perfection, this film is a masterpiece.
It is rare for an Indian film to be devoid of any romantic conflicts, focusing on an unconventional relationship between two unique characters, a young boy without a family, and an elderly man with a family that does not care for him. The film thrives on the warm relationship between these two as Kutty explores life and KD rediscovers it. It’s a journey with no destination. KD and Kutty forge an instant connection with the audience. The film remains entertaining throughout due to the comical situations and memorable dramatic moments between the two of them. Their cute banter and the genuine familial bonding they share make the film a heartwarming experience.
Caste is an important issue commonly explored in South Indian films. Asuran takes this simple topic and adds a new dimension to it. The film dives into the dark side of human nature and exposes the reality of the caste system deeply entrenched in Indian society. Asuran is the story of a farmer from a lower caste, whose demon-like instincts are triggered at various points throughout his life as he strives to protect his family. It’s about a conflict within as he attempts to maintain his ideal of non-violence, after witnessing the negative repercussions of violence, but is pushed further and further into this torturous game in which the powerful are always rewarded and the poor, punished. The film’s strength lies in the storytelling techniques the director uses to establish the characters and reveal past events. There is a build up as the audience gets accustomed to Sivagaami’s elder self, and a payoff as the younger self is revealed. Asuran is not only socially relevant, it is also brilliant cinema.
Securing a home for yourself and your family in larger cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, etc. is a difficult task. It is made even more complicated by the awkward demands of house owners that specifically target people of certain professions, religions, and castes, denying them access to affordable housing. To Let is a film, submerged in reality, that tells the story of a family that faces similar extenuating circumstances as they search for a home after being told to vacate by their landlady. The film is situated as a slow burn, using unusual takes, minimal music, and subtle acting to develop the plot. It doesn’t tread on the conventional dramatic route of Indian films, instead being more influenced by Western ideals of realism. The characters are so well established within the first few minutes of the film, that despite the slow moving nature of the plot, the film remains engaging, as we are keen to know what happens next in the lives of the characters so deeply etched in our hearts. The film is warm yet brutal, soft yet serious. This combination of a variety of opposing tonalities is what makes this film a masterful take on an important issue.
