Movie: Nayakudu
Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh
Director: Mari Selvaraj
Produced By: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Asian Cinemas
Release Date: 14th July 2023
Story: An MLA and his son, who are from an oppressed community, are forced to stand up against the privileged, pretentious son of a late politician, who is determined to make them bow down to him. Will they be able to stand in front of him in fighting for their rights is what forms the crux of the film.
Analysis: Director Mari Selvaraj is always known to make films based on social discrimination and fight for the basic rights of one individual. Which is why he is highly regarded as a filmmaker, though he has directed only three films. With Nayakudu Mari takes the village Politics as a center stage to his film. He tries to discuss the importance of power in politics and shows in whose hands that power has is what makes the difference. The storyline and setting though appear a bit too regular for the standards of the director, he was able to get his trademark moments in the film.
The film starts off a bit slow but gets into its rhythm as it progresses. The flashback between father and son has a deeply emotional impact, with a gruesome incident which shatters the bond between them. The love track between the lead pair looks to have some intensity, but the conflict gets resolved within the 10 minutes of the heroine’s introduction. When the main question is about the possible outburst of the hero’s character, the director shows his brilliance with a gripping and whistle worthy interval sequence.
The post Interval moments are also designed equally powerful and raise the anticipation towards the further events, but the proceedings after that look a bit underwhelming. The political campaign and the problems the lead role and his supporters face gave a familiar feel. However, towards the Climax Mari Selvaraj once again impresses with effective dialogues and intense presentation of the last moments.
Unlike his previous films Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, Nayakudu (Maamannan) does not look like a fresh plot, but Mari showed what he wanted to in a few stunning sequences like the interval and discussions between father and son regarding the system and fight to correct it. It is only in the second half where the elections and drama for votes look a bit standard. Also, the unique metaphors and imagery that involve dogs and pigs did not have the right impact.
Performances: Vadivelu gave a terrific performance in the main role. It would be not an exaggeration to say he is the soul of the film. Fahadh Faasil’s character appears a bit routine, but he brings the effect with his natural act. Udhayanidhi Stalin was fine. Keerthy Suresh had limited scope and she was fine.
Plus Points:
- Vadivelu’s Performance
- Pre – Post Interval Episodes
- Climax
- Emotional moments
Minus Points:
- Unnecessary metaphors
- Regular/dull parts in the second half
Verdict:
Overall, though the second half gives a feeling of being in between, Nayakudu is a film which certainly has its heart in the right place and addresses many important issues like social inequality and the use of power in politics, with many compelling moments, including the climax and a well-treated first half.
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