"Saithan" tells the story of a newly married software engineer who begins hearing strange voices commanding him to "kill Jayalakshmi." As he descends into mental instability, he seeks psychiatric help and uncovers a shocking past life.
The film's strengths lie in its intriguing storyline, Vijay Antony's haunting background score, and Arundhati Nair's compelling performance.
As a child, I watched this film on television and was thoroughly frightened, primarily due to the chilling background score. Re-watching it as an adult, I appreciate Vijay Antony's penchant for unique concepts. He delivers a convincing performance, fully inhabiting his character. While not extraordinary, it is certainly effective. This was my introduction to Arundhati Nair, a talented actress with traditional beauty. Her chemistry with Vijay was charming, and she performed well in the first half. However, it was when the narrative revealed her character's sinister side as "Jayalakshmi" that her full potential was unleashed. Her portrayal was so powerful that I developed a genuine dislike for the character.
The film's first half is promising, filled with suspenseful sequences that evoke a horror-like atmosphere. However, the second half gradually loses its momentum, culminating in a rather average climax. Personally, I believe the second half could have been significantly improved with a more impactful climax and sustained thrilling sequences. Nevertheless, Pradeep Krishnamoorthy deserves credit for bringing such a unique storyline to the screen.
The film's most notable asset is Vijay Antony's unsettling background score. It is among the best composed scores for a thriller, particularly the "Jayalakshmi" theme, which significantly enhances the narrative's tension. The soundtrack, however, is less memorable. While the songs are pleasant, they lack the staying power of the score.
In summary, "Saithan" is a commendable Tamil thriller with a unique premise and a spine-tingling background score. It is recommended for viewers who enjoy engaging thriller films.
