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.

From romance of 96 to bromance of Meiyazhagan, there are many similarities that we can see. The movie is soul stirring instilling nostalgia and longing that of somebody else's past. The simplicity of the characters, the warmth of a village and pride of history is etched all over this movie. Main cast Karthi and Arvind Swamy has given an incredible performance which is the backbone of this movie. Director wanted this to be just a novel, but made it into a movie because of peer pressure. That is evident in the second half as it gets lengthy and draggy. But still the performances and lovable characters are enough to make us get through the movie.

Meiyazhagan a refreshing tamil movie production amidst all the violence and vulgarity one gets to see in movies today. A story centered around a journey down past memories . Every character etched to perfection. One could really enjoy the realistic, non exaggerated conversations in Thanjavur Tamil throughout the movie. The movie did touch an emotional chord as one could see moist eyes from those who were leaving the movie hall . Meiyazhagan a must watch for those who enjoy simple, realistic movies. The experience equals to relishing a well made Thanjavur Ashoka. Congrats to the entire team for making such a lovely movie.

Dear Karthi & Aravind Swamy,

Just stepped out of the theater and I have to say, I absolutely loved every scene of this movie. You both completely embodied your characters, making them so real and relatable. After 96, this is the only movie where I've witnessed the entire audience erupt into applause as the end credits rolled. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the impact this film has made. Simply amazing!

We all journeyed with you through every moment. The emotional depth, the chemistry between the characters, and the gripping narrative held us captive. Every scene felt genuine and left a lasting impression. The direction, music, and cinematography worked in perfect harmony to bring out the heart and soul of the story. It was more than a film-it was an experience.

Hats off to the entire team for delivering such a powerful and unforgettable masterpiece.

Dear Director,

You're brilliant. Thank you for crafting such an exceptional piece of cinema that will be remembered for a long time!

"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.