If you watch a movie in a language which you don't understand a word of and the movie does not let you realize this fact for whole of its length, that is a good enough reason to praise a movie.
Parutheeveeran is a Tamil movie which I watched with subtitles and though I don't understand a word of Tamil other than "macha" or "Naan unnai Kathalikkireen", I can guess that the Tamil used in the movie is very original countryside old Tamil. And the characters spoke so fast that at times I had to pause and read what the they said, but it was all worth it.
Story is very simple. Parutheeveeran is a country brash, loafer who spends his time doing petty crimes with him uncle and wants to become famous by going in Chennai jail. Muththazhagu loves him unconditionally because he saved her life when they were kid but her father is against it. Parutheeveeran ignores Muththazhagu and keeps her at distance. But when he realizes her love towards her the story takes an interesting turn and reaches to a climax which most of the viewers will not expect.
Music is high point of the movie and is nowhere near to conventional music. The songs (some would doubt its existence in the movie) are used to create the mood for the what happens in the movie. The movie starts with a village festival and the collage of various folk style song snippets leave the aroma of rustic yet colorful and joyous village which lasts till we reach towards the climax of the movie.
Acting is top notch, not only by main actors but also by all supporting characters. Most of them has been handpicked from the locality where the movies was shot, which makes them look very original. Very rightly Pramani got National Award for best actress for her portrayal of Muththazhagu in the movie. If you have any doubts, check out this scene.
There is no set so to say, whole movie seems to be shot in real locations and they are mesmerizing. It makes you want to go to a village outside of Madurai and live there for a day or two just to admire their life. Direction is awesome but I guess the actors, cinematographer, editor etc have made the job of the director very easy.
Now the climax. I feel climax is an art and as I have described in another article leaving the movie at right note is as important as garnishing the meal. The climax of the movie may sound disturbing and depressing to some, but I felt that movie could not have a better ending. The act by Parutheeveeran and the end not only justifies his eccentric character but also epitomizes his love for Muththazhagu in a very peculiar way which requires some pondering.
