ORU THAVARU SEIDHAL Movie Review
Forced out of their apartment and in dire need of money, a group of friends, spearheaded by an aspiring filmmaker, converge at Chennai’s bustling Koyambedu junction. A chance meeting sparks an audacious scheme to alleviate their financial troubles swiftly, but their path is strewn with deception and unforeseen consequences. Did their gamble pay off, or did their aspirations lead them astray?The film’s central theme—how easily the masses can be manipulated in the digital era—remains pertinent and timely, yet its execution falters due to discernible plot gaps. The group’s swift acquisition of sensitive data and the execution of their intricate deepfake campaign strains credibility. However, Oru Thavaru Seidhal redeems itself by embracing a darkly comedic tone in its latter half.
Its strength lies in depicting technology as a double-edged sword. It showcases the rapid creation of deepfakes using basic technology and the ease with which one can mask their identity through tools like VPNs and facial filters. Upasana RC delivers a compelling performance as Munishwari, the tech-savvy friend whose skills both enable and threaten to dismantle the group’s scheme. While the friends’ moral dilemmas over their victim’s plight seem somewhat forced, the absurd heist in the latter part provides ample humor to distract from the inconsistencies.
Veteran actor MS Bhaskar lends his prowess to the role of the MLA’s advisor. The ensemble cast, featuring Paari, Srithar, Surendhar, and Santhosh as the friends, radiates chemistry in both comedic and dramatic sequences. Namo Narayan’s portrayal of the hapless politician is adequate.
Debutant director Mani Dhamodharan’s Oru Thavaru Seidhal serves as a cautionary tale infused with dark humor. While its exploration of deepfakes and their societal ramifications provokes thought, its uneven execution prevents it from becoming a truly gripping thriller. Nevertheless, aficionados of crime-comedies with a technological twist may find solace in this offering.
Cast:-Upasana R C, M S Bhaskar, Namo Narayanan, Rams, Theni Murugan, Pari, Sura Surender, Sridhar, Santhosh Thasmiga Lakshman and others.
Director:- Mani Dhamodharan
Rating…3.5/5