Film: Savarakathi
Director: GR Adithya
Cast: Mysskin, Ram, Poorna and Shaji Chen
Rating: 3/5
Over the years, writer-filmmaker Mysskin has been asked several times why his films are mostly dark and tragic. From Chithiram Pesudhadi to Pisasu, his films have been known for exploring human flaws and psyche in the most hard-hitting fashion. In his latest outing Savarakathi, as a writer Mysskin gives a comic touch to a story that unfolds in a single day in the lives of a barber (played by Ram) and a thug (played by Mysskin). Mysskin’s maiden attempt at full-length comedy is proof that maybe it’s not his forte, but the way everything culminates in the climax is poignant and quite emotional, reminding us once again why he’s one of the best writers of our times.
Kathi edhukku thaan, thoppil kodi vetta thaan (What is a knife for? To cut the umbilical cord only)”. These thought-provoking lyrics from the song Thangakathi, Vellikathi, Sembukathi, Irumbukkathi pretty much sum up the crux of the story.
The plot revolves around Manga, a thug, who is out on parole for eight hours and Pitchaimurthy, a barber who lies through his teeth. When Manga and Pichai accidentally cross paths, it doesn’t end well for both of them. After being lead to believe that Pichai punches Manga in road rage, the latter sets out to kill the former. The events that follow through the course of the day are mostly funny, slightly over the top but pack an emotional punch.
The film marks the directorial debut of GR Adithya, who happens to be Mysskin’s brother. As much as you want to believe it is Adithya’s film, we’re constantly reminded we are in Mysskin’s universe, thanks to the shot composition and tone of the film. Replete with tropes usually associated with Mysskin style of filmmaking, Savarakathi emphasizes on the point that giving birth to a life is tougher than taking one. It’s absolutely poetic when the knife that Manga wields to kill Pichai actually helps in the birth of the latter’s newborn. In another sub-plot, husband and wife who are out to kill their daughter for eloping with someone beneath their social status have a change of heart when they encounter a pregnant woman who soon slips into labour.
Mysskin as Manga is mostly over the top and at times annoying, but only someone as eccentric and equally brilliant as Mysskin can write such a character. He plays the part fittingly, making us hate as well as empathize with the character. Ram as Pichai is loud throughout and the only logical explanation behind this could be the fact that he has a wife with hearing impairment and it requires him to speak loudly to be heard. Poorna as Ram’s pregnant wife is outstanding and plays her part with conviction and aplomb. After impressing with Pisasu and Thupparivaalan, Arrol Corelli’s music, especially the score towards the climax, is one of the highlights of the film.
{{/usCountry}}Mysskin as Manga is mostly over the top and at times annoying, but only someone as eccentric and equally brilliant as Mysskin can write such a character. He plays the part fittingly, making us hate as well as empathize with the character. Ram as Pichai is loud throughout and the only logical explanation behind this could be the fact that he has a wife with hearing impairment and it requires him to speak loudly to be heard. Poorna as Ram’s pregnant wife is outstanding and plays her part with conviction and aplomb. After impressing with Pisasu and Thupparivaalan, Arrol Corelli’s music, especially the score towards the climax, is one of the highlights of the film.
{{/usCountry}}Savarakathi is a delightful dark comedy that raises pertinent questions about life and death. Thankfully, it never gets preachy, and therefore, works wholesomely, even when some edges are jagged. Mysskin as a writer shines again but it’s his acting avatar that’s sure to catch one’s attention this time.
Follow @htshowbiz for more