Sandikuthirai review: A thriller twist works for this movie
Film: Sandikuthirai
Director: Anbumathi
Cast: Rajkamal, Hari, Manasa, Divya, Delhi Ganesh
Set in a rural milieu, the film centers on two pairs of lovers. It’s about how the happenings in the lives of one, has it’s repercussion on that of the other. The maiden venture of director Anbumathi who has penned short stories and directed TV serials, Sandikuthirai, which opens on a breezy romantic note takes a suspense-thriller mode towards the latter part. And it’s this that speeds up the momentum of an otherwise insipid screenplay. A more coherent etching of events and polish in its narrative style, could have made the viewing experience more enjoyable.
The early scenes depict the flow in the love affair of the two respective couples. Ravi who ekes out his livelihood making clay pots and artefacts is in love with neighbour Keerthi. The couple moves together in cute playful intimacy, the director handling these moments with finesse. Rajkamal essays Ravi with competence, particularly in the emotional moments towards the end. Manasi as Keerthi is a promising find.
On another track is the love affair between the couple’s friend Sudha and Gokul. Bold and feisty, Sudha had berated Murali, Ravi’s friend, who had ticked her over the affair. Murali’s obsession in targetting Sudha (Divya fits in suitably), while turning a blind eye to the love affair of the other couple is not clear. Delhi Ganesh as Sudha’s grandpa lends stability to the proceedings. How an indiscreet act by Gokul leads to unfortunate consequences forms the rest.
The film touches on cyber-crime and how innocent girls inadvertently become victims of it. It also touches on the fact that it’s not just an urban phenomenon, but has seeped into the rural milieu too. Towards the end, the director introduces the suspense quotient, where Ravi loses his near ones, one by one. It turns into an investigative mode with Ravi trying to track the mysterious killer who had created havoc in their lives. A couple of red herrings are strewn around to distract the audience.
The locations are well chosen, especially the rocky terrain where the final face-off takes place. The narration spirals to a well worked out climax. Helmed by a debutant maker and boasting of no big names in the cast or crew, the film delivers more than what one would have expected from it.