“Born of soil, bound by sacrifice.”
The suffering endured by the Tamil Eelam people and their freedom fighters at the hands of the Sinhala army has been documented through various films over the years. Among them, “Salliyargal” stands out as a deeply moving cinematic work that sheds light on a lesser-known yet powerful chapter—the humanitarian medical wing of the LTTE. The film poignantly portrays the bunker hospitals, the selfless doctors who served there, and their unwavering commitment to saving lives even at the cost of their own.
Set against the harsh realities of war, the story revolves around a bunker hospital established to treat wounded fighters battling the Sinhala army. Dr. Satyadevi, a dedicated woman doctor, works tirelessly without proper food or rest, driven solely by compassion and duty. To support her, Dr. Sembian (Mahendran) is sent from the main hospital. As the medical team struggles to save lives, the Sinhala army plots to eliminate this humanitarian unit, intensifying the tension and emotional depth of the narrative.
What makes “Salliyargal” remarkable is its portrayal of Tamil Eelam doctors as symbols of humanity. Regardless of whether the wounded are comrades or enemies, these doctors risk everything to uphold the sanctity of life. The film powerfully captures their courage, service, and moral strength through sensitive storytelling and impactful visuals.
Satyadevi’s performance is restrained yet powerful. Her measured dialogue delivery, calm decisiveness, and realistic body language make her portrayal of a medical warrior deeply convincing. Mahendran, as Dr. Sembian, brings quiet intensity and authenticity, with his unfamiliar face adding credibility to the role. Sethu Karunas, as Mathizhayagan, the heroine’s father, delivers dialogues that echo the collective pain and resilience of the Tamil Eelam people.
The supporting cast, including Thirumurugan, Santhosh, and Mohan as Sinhala army officers, are well cast. Nagaraj and Priyalaya transition effectively from lovers to fighters, leaving a strong impression.
The music by Ken and Easwar, with lyrics by Vairamuthu and T. Kittu, is soul-stirring, while the background score amplifies the emotional weight. Cibi Sadasivam’s cinematography vividly captures war-torn landscapes, immersing viewers in Tamil Eelam. Editing by C.M. Elangovan keeps the narrative gripping, and the art, makeup, and costumes add striking realism.
Written and directed by T. Kittu, “Salliyargal” is a heartfelt tribute to warrior doctors who served humanity without discrimination. With poetic dialogues emphasizing sacrifice and hope, the film leaves a lasting impact. Ultimately, “Salliyargal” is not just a film—it is a history every Tamil people should know.
Cast: Sathyadevi, S.Karunaas, Thirumurugan, Janaki, Mahendran, Nagaraj, Priya, Anand Sounderarajan, Mohan, Santhosh and others.
Producers: S.Karunaas & P.Karikalan
Written and Direction : T.Kittu
Rating….4.3/5
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