Review: Thiruchitrambalam

Film: Thiruchitrambalam
Director: Mithran R Jawahar
Cast: Dhanush, Nithya Menon, Bharathiraja, Prakash Raj, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Raashi Khanna, Munishkanth and others
Music: Anirudh
Cinematography: Om Prakash
Rating: 4 stars

Director Mithran R Jawahar’s ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ is a rom-com that effortlessly brings a smile to your face and a sense of satisfaction to your heart.

It is a film that reminds you of a time when kids from middle-class families forged strong friendships with other kids staying in the same apartment block.

The story, as the title of the film suggests, is about Thiruchitrambalam (played by Dhanush). Thiruchitrambalam is your regular next door guy whose life is like any other youngster from a middle-class family.

He works as a delivery boy in Doink all day and listens to Ilaiyaraaja passionately when he is down and out. Forget exciting, there’s nothing even remotely interesting in Pazham’s life, which primarily revolves around three people.

The first is Pazham’s grandfather, the senior Thiruchitrambalam (played by Bharthirajaa). The second is his dad Neelakandan (played by Prakash Raj) and the third is his childhood friend, Shobana (Nithya Menen).

While he is on good terms with his grandfather, Pazham is furious with his dad as he believes it was the latter’s mistake that led to a fatal accident that killed his mother and sister. When the dude and his dad are together, there is either an uneasy silence or an all out war of words. Shobana is the only solace Pazham has. She is his confidante — someone who understands him even better than himself.

Life goes on like this for Pazham until one day he gets to meet Anusha (Raashi Khanna), a girl he had a crush on in school. She talks to him encouragingly and Pazham gets led on. He gets to the point wherein he starts believing that she is in love with him. Eventually, he realises that that is not the case. To make matters worse, Anusha’s friends mock and ridicule Pazham.

With anger pent up within him, Pazham explodes at his dad at the first given opportunity. The harsh words he speaks makes the man suffer a stroke. Does Thiruchitrambalam regret his words? How does he make amends? Does he find the love of his life? Thiruchitrambalam tells you all about these and more.

The film is literally a feel good entertainer. The character Dhanush plays in the film is one that every man who hails from a middle-class family can relate to.

The actor seems to have enhanced his already strong acting capabilities and that shows clearly in this film. His responses are mild, restrained and measured and yet, he is able to deliver a performance that is as sharp and as intense as some of his loud performances like the one he came up with in Kadhal Kondein. Dhanush delivers a fine performance that is so endearing to watch that you don’t even realise you’ve spent a good two hours and 15 minutes watching this film.

One other reason why the film makes for an engrossing watch is Nithya Menen, who almost matches Dhanush scene for scene. If one were to pit the performances of the two lead artistes against one other, Dhanush would emerge the winner but that by no means takes away anything from Nithya who delivers a stupendous performance herself. Together, they are in a league of their own. And they are ably supported by Prakash Raj and Bharthirajaa.

Priya Bhavani Shankar makes a guest appearance in the film but she delivers a neat performance. Raashi Khanna too appears for only a brief part but is able to impress.

Mithran R Jawahar tells a good natured, simple story about ordinary people in the most extraordinary manner and that is what makes Thiruchitrambalam stand out.

He has romance, drama, and humour in equal measure in the film. The beauty of it is that none of the three components appear forced or artificial through out the film and therein lies Mithran’s success.

Anirudh’s music as always adds value to the film. The songs in particular give scope for dancing and Dhanush seems to have geninuely relished this part.

Om Prakash’s visuals are a delight to watch.

Simply speaking, ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ is a winner that is bound to make you smile.