Starring : Karthi, Arvind Swami, Sri Vidya & Swathi
Watch on : Netflix (with Hindi Audio & English Sub-titles)
It’s sometimes like a breath of fresh air when good regional language films come our way which have the earthy flavor and a cultural ethos that is their own. Being a probasi (staying outside Kolkata) Bengali I’ve had the privilege of watching old Bengali classics, the Uttam-Suchitra hits and some of the modern cinema, that’s not too good. Thanks to OTT (and sub-titling) we’ve also enjoyed quite a few wonderful South Indian films too.
‘Meiyazhagan’ is a Tamil-language drama film written and directed by C. Prem Kumar that has a quaint story to tell with remarkable simplicity that blends beautifully with natural canvas of the countryside. Arul, a mid-aged man, has to for unavoidable reasons revisit his home town after 22 years of literally being abandoned from it. While there’s nostalgia for returning to roots, unsettling feeling is of revisiting the unpleasant past !
His life gets changed when he bumps into someone from his hometown who then on, follows him like a shadow to render all possible help to the visitor. Slowly, an unlikely friendship develops with this resourceful & exuberant do-gooder who lives life on his terms. Yet there’s an air of ‘mystery’ as Arul is unable to place this man. The experience is elevating for his soul, what haunts him is he’s unable to recognize his benefactor…
For old movie buffs, the languid pace and emotional connect of characters will remind of vintage ‘Bimal Roy’ films of the 60s, for their seamless flow and simplicity of depiction.
‘Parakh’ (1960) was one such classic -A post master receives a cheque of Rs 500,000, which is to be given to the one who will use it for the people’s benefit. He visits the village incognito and finds every person pretends to be honest to claim it. The satire on values and social inequality in the backdrop of a small village is marvelous in ‘Parakh’ !
The theme where the lead actor’s identity remains shrouded in layers of anonymity has always been intriguing to viewers. Though of a different genre, I recall ‘Agantuk’ (1992) meaning ‘The Stranger’, a brilliant Satyajit Ray film where a well settled lady and her family receive a visit from an elderly man claiming to be her long-lost Uncle. However, as time passes, they begin to question this man’s intentions. Who is he after all ?
Coming back to ‘‘Meiyazhagan’, frankly the superb Arvind Swami as ‘Arul’ was the major attraction for us since he’s been a big heartthrob since ‘Roja’ days, missing for long to again resurface in the recent ‘IC814 Hijack’ Series. Swami’s laid back, natural style has a calming effect that’s again reminiscent of great actors like Balraj Sahni. But Karthi is simply brilliant as the ‘mystery man’ and steals the show with his spontaneity and amazing range for emoting. Other actors are good and everyone underplays their part.
This film is all about goodness that exists in simple people and captures the essence of family bonds and filial connections. It resonates deeply, especially for those who have experienced the warmth of extended family, the simplicity of village life, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. Don’t feel guilty shedding a tear or two in appreciation.
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