Meiyazhagan

Mark my words, this will be remembered as one of the best films of the year. It's a heartwarming movie with a great slice-of-life, some bittersweet added with a touch of bromance. In an era of formulaic blockbusters and Interval bangs this film is a refreshing change. It expresses a lot that is happening in society, inside the family, within humans, and the self-discovery while keeping it grounded, rooted, and minimalistic.

A character-driven story focused on Arul (Arvind Swamy), who returns to his hometown with a sense of ambivalence. We as a viewer travel along with this character. On the other hand, Karthi, a mysterious character as ordinary as the sun's daily rise, has a knack for getting into quirky situations. We see the story unfold between these two as they spend a night and the trip is a rollercoaster of emotions, from nostalgic flashbacks to awkward encounters. And let's not forget the classic "miss the bus because your someone insisted on tea" moment. That's one of the funniest sequences during the interval.

There are heartwarming moments, and one of my favorites involves a phone call between Arul's father (Jayaprakash) and Raj Kiran, who delivers a remarkably natural performance. Also, the wedding sequence, culminating in Arul gifting his sister, is beautifully staged. Additionally, Kamal Haasan's soulful 'Yaaro Ivan Yaaro' song placement in the beginning and the pre-climax is done so well.

Director Prem Kumar stages everything brilliantly with the unending sound of the biosphere. Set in Thanjavur, it sums up the tone of the film as a conjunction between ecology and humans. His ability to blend melodrama with characters is his biggest strength, accentuated by good acting.

The visuals are ideally combined with subplots, and the authenticity in mixing the local culture, history, and especially Jallikattu, is beautifully done. It doesn't falter the narrative and isn't an overkill. The relationships don't cross the line of going overboard, and the idea of coexistence is shown with so many happy moments.

Oh, almost forgot about the background score. The entire film is loaded with bittersweet to happy scores that speak more or less sometimes, as the silence also does the talking.

I know we had "Vaazhai," "Jama," "Kottukkali," and "Lubber Pandhu" last week, but trust me, "Meiyazhagan" is a fresh breath of air. It impresses with its variety of forms and feelings. There are no bleak moments, cringe love stories, or sermons on oppression. There are references like the Sterlite issue, but it is handled well with no genre shift.

Final thoughts, I can go on and on but will not be able to capture all its beauty in writing. In the end of this film, you are uplifted and also feel a bittersweet joy.

How often we have an opportunity to reminisce about good times had with people in our lives? People have poured unconditional love on us, whom we relate through blood, could be family friends, long-term neighbors, or maybe a stranger who came to help us out in an adverse situation. Have we ever thought about the little help made such a big impact on our busy lives? Life forces us to navigate through many phases, making these memories fade away while we are crippled by the survival mode life puts us through.

Meiyazhagan is asking us to take a pause and look back and find those people who showered unconditional love expecting nothing in return. Try to find or at least think about those angels who lent you a hand in tough situations. The movie puts you through the same emotional state as Arul Mozhi Varman (Arvind Swamy )goes through in the film.

With a lot of negativity and wicked situations looming around the world, Meiyazhagan comes as fresh breezy air and tells us there are still good people around you, there is still hope, there is still positivity, and still, some unconditional love is present in this world. When you experience such things, don't let it slip away. As human beings, that's the ultimate thing...Seeking LOVE.

"Meiyazhagan" unfolds like a beautifully written poem, or a novel brought to life, where each frame feels like a chapter of quiet reflection and deep conversation. At its heart is a delicate exchange between two characters: one, expressive and talkative, the other, introspective and reserved. Their reunion after years of distance feels like a quiet homecoming. As distant relatives reconnect, the film subtly explores the complexities of human relationships-what is said and what is left unspoken. There's an undeniable sense of peace and calm that envelops the viewer, with every interaction feeling like a gentle whisper to the soul. It's a cinematic experience that touches deeply, leaving behind a lingering feeling of serenity, like the warmth of a long-lost memory.

I think this is by far the most important movie of Tamil cinema for the current generation. While we ve majorly been audience to love n romantic movies since time immemorial,someone had the clarity to show what love is in reality in rural Tamil nadu. I am intrigued at what is going to be the response to a movie that I liked so much for the quality and simplicity of the subject ,the beautiful village setting and cinematography and the characterisation . To have produced a movie like this I would Really like to appreciate Surya n jo, I think you guys are really taking it upon you to give quality movies .Not everyone can do a movie like this .. I really hope this movie does well .. Go well guys...

Five minutes into Meiazhagan, you realize you're in for an aesthetically captivating and simple yet powerful experience. This film explores the fractured bonds of tradition, language, and relationships. One of its greatest achievements is that it doesn't feel like a typical movie. There are lengthy scenes where Karthi's character shares his thoughts and experiences with Aravind Samy, and as an audience, you forget you're watching a film. Instead, you feel like a third person overhearing a deep, raw conversation between two men who live and breathe their emotions.

The characters of Karthi and Aravind Samy are polar opposites, contrasting in every way, yet they grow to complement each other as the story unfolds. Karthi truly shines as one of the best actors of his generation. In a film like this, delivering message-driven dialogues without coming across as preachy is no easy feat. Karthi embodies the character so fully that audiences can't help but love him.

While art films are slowly gaining traction in India, they often fall prey to Western influences, becoming overly complex with heavy metaphors and aesthetic-driven narratives. This can alienate viewers who lack exposure to international content, leaving them confused or disengaged. However, Meiazhagan stands out as a beautifully crafted, simple story that fosters character development not only on-screen but also in its audience.

We missed celebrating Anbe Sivam, a film with a similar essence, but let's not make that mistake again with Meiazhagan. It deserves to be cherished as the masterpiece it is!