Iraivi Tamil Movie Review
Women, Wine & Violence
STORY:
Arul (S J Surya) is a struggling filmmaker, and hence, finds solace in drinking. His brother is the cunning Jagan (Bobby Simha), and his childhood friend is Michael (Vijay Sethupathi).
While the poignant Ponni (Anjali) enters wedlock Michael, self-restraint Yazhini (Kamalinee Mukherjee) decides to marry Arul. And Jagan tries hard to make a widow (Pooja) fall for him.
As Arul’s film runs into trouble and he has to pay off the producer to ensure that the movie sees the light of the day, Jagan and Michael plan to loot some idols from deserted temples to make money and help Arul.
In the meantime, their ego, anger, acts and attitude not just spoil their own lives, but also that of the women around him.
ANALYSIS:
Director Karthik Subbaraj’s third outing, Iraivi is an interesting feminist film that has explored an hitherto untouched genre. In a way, Karthik strikes a fine balance between K Balachander and Mani Ratnam, but, something is missing somewhere making us wondering whether he has made a ‘good’ film or a merely ‘okay’ film.
The 160-minute work has some interesting performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Simha, Surya and Anjali. Kamalini Mukherjee and Pooja too deliver goods in their respective roles.
Among the actors, S J Surya was brilliant. Never expected he can act this good. He was so natural and took control of the script. Camera work by Sivakumar Vijayan and lighting used throughout the film are some of the few strongpoints in the technical department. Dialogues too, stand out from the beginning till the very end.
Though songs sound average, background score by Santhosh Narayanan stands out. With so much going on, it’s no surprise that the film feels inordinately long-and it is, unfolding leisurely at 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Overall, Iraivi is not a perfect weekend enterainer you are looking forward to. But this movie, we believe, will definitely create an impact in your lives and make you realise the importance of women and how arrogant the men are in our society.
Rating: Above Average
Director: Karthik Subbaraj
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Cast: S. J. Surya, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Anjali, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Pooja Devariya, Karunakaran, Radharavi, Vadivukkarasi, Cheenu Mohan aljd, Karthikeyan, Kaali, SWJ
Pro: Nikil Murugan
