Boat Movie Review
Yogi Babu’s film with Chimbu Deva captivates audiences
“Boat,” the latest Tamil period survival drama, draws inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s 1952 novella, “The Old Man and the Sea,” a story about an elderly fisherman’s epic battle in the high seas, and the 1957 legal drama “Twelve Angry Men,” where jurors in a confined space discuss a sensitive case while reflecting on their own moralities. This gives a glimpse into the kind of film writer-director-producer Chimbudevan has envisioned — a compelling two-hour narrative set on the Bay of Bengal that delves into historical social concerns and examines their modern-day relevance.
Chimbudevan masterfully introduces ten diverse characters, each carefully chosen to represent various social identities. These characters form a heterogeneous group of survivors who, in their struggle for survival, are compelled to reflect on their lives, their place in the social hierarchy, and the moral codes that guide their actions. This film is more than just a survival story; it is a profound exploration of human nature and societal constructs.
Set in 1943, the film opens with a somewhat chaotic sequence on a beach in Madras, where the characters, in a desperate bid to escape from Japanese bombers, board a fishing boat and head into the ocean. The boat becomes a microcosm of the larger society, with each character representing a different facet of the social fabric. The boat’s owner, fisherman Kumaran (played brilliantly by Yogi Babu), and his elderly grandmother, Muthumari (Kullapuli Leela), embody the spirit and resilience of the working class. They are joined by Lal (Chaams), a Rajasthani; Narayanan (Chinni Jeyanth), a Brahmin gomastha, and his daughter Lakshmi (Gouri Kishan), a carnatic singer; Vijaya (Madhumitha), a pregnant Telugu woman, and her son, Mahesh (Akshath). The cast is further enriched by the enigmatic Raja Muhammed (Sha Ra) and Muthaiya (MS Bhasker), and the inclusion of Pechiamma, a pregnant rat, underscores the theme that in the vast expanse of the sea, all lives hold equal significance.
“Boat” is a thought-provoking film that combines intense character studies with a gripping narrative. Chimbudevan’s vision shines through, offering audiences a poignant reflection on social issues and personal morality. This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that challenges the mind and touches the heart.
Cast: Yogi Babu, Gouri Kishan, MS Bhasker, Chinni Jayanth
Director: Chimbudevan
Rating..3.5/5