Verdict: An ambitious rural drama with strong performances and a daring second half that divides viewers, but its emotional core and technical craft make it worth a watch for those open to unconventional stories.
Pros: • Powerful lead performances that feel lived-in and natural • Ilaiyaraaja’s score adds real emotional weight • Bold storytelling that challenges social norms
Cons: • Slow-paced first half that tests patience • Divisive second-half turns and climax that won’t work for everyone
Karthik Subbaraj’s tenth film arrives in theatres today after a warm reception at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it earned a standing ovation. Set against the harsh backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu in the early 1990s, the story follows two childhood friends whose bond is tested by the rigid rules of caste, violence and the pressures of manhood.
Keerthy Suresh plays the title character whose quiet presence begins to shift the world around them. Sananth and Rishikanth carry the emotional weight as the two friends. Early audience response on platforms like BookMyShow and X has been mixed-to-positive, with many praising the film’s courage while others found parts of it difficult to accept.
The story stays grounded in everyday life in a Madurai village. Two boys grow up inseparable in a place where strength is measured by toughness and silence. When a woman named Dorothy enters their circle, her simple acts of kindness start to question everything they have been taught. Years later, circumstances force the friends back together on a journey that brings old secrets and hard truths to the surface.
The film moves between past and present without revealing too much, keeping the focus on friendship, guilt and the quiet ways people change. Viewers on X and BookMyShow have repeatedly highlighted the natural chemistry between Sananth and Rishikanth. Many called their performances the film’s strongest element, noting how believable the friendship feels.
Keerthy Suresh’s shorter role still left a mark for its warmth and restraint. Ilaiyaraaja’s music, especially the background score, earned frequent praise for lifting key emotional moments. The rural setting and Tirru’s visuals also drew compliments for their authenticity. At the same time, several early reactions pointed out that the first half moves slowly and builds at a measured pace.
Some felt the second half takes sharp, unexpected turns that not everyone was ready for. The climax in particular has sparked strong debate, with some calling it bold and necessary while others found it uncomfortable or forced. A few viewers left the theatre unsettled, and online discussions show a clear split between those who embraced the film’s message of acceptance and those who rejected its direction.
This is a film for audiences who enjoy stories that dig into social pressures and emotional complexity rather than pure entertainment. Its strengths lie in the honest performances, the evocative music and the willingness to tackle difficult subjects head-on. The weaknesses show in the uneven pacing and the polarising final stretch.
If you prefer films that play it safe, waiting for streaming might be wiser. For those open to something different and ready for a conversation afterwards, the theatrical experience still holds value.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
Kadir is a box office reporter and film analyst from Hojai, Assam, and the founder of Tenvow.com. Since 2015, he has been into box office reporting. With a focus on box office collections, OTT trends, and movie analysis, Kadir delivers accurate, data driven insights into the business of films.
