Movie: Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy

Thankar Bachan a renowned cinematographer of the films like Kadal Kottai and Kalamelam Kadhal Vazhaga had wielded the megaphone for the first time in the critically applauded movie Azhagi. Thankar has set the benchmark for quality movies in the Tamil filmdom by his extremely pleasing movie Azhagi.

Thankar had an uneasy time to sort out the pre production controversies and off screen disputes before bringing up the Chidambatathil Oru Appasamy movie to on screen. Amidst all the troubles and tribulations, he has given a good movie. The movie has earned exceptional reviews especially the reputed and tough cine critic Anandha Vikatan has given 44 out of 100.

After his endeavor in photography and direction, he debuts into acting in this movie as this movie does not require any heroics. Elangovan (Thangar Bachan), a school teacher in Chidambaram is harum-scarum person who leads life without any aspirations. He truants the school, shirks his responsibilities, absconding from home often which kept his family in dire straits. He enjoyed his own way of life with his wayward friends in boozing and gambling. His various ludicrous acts done for fun and amusement added more trouble for him and nuisance for his family.

As advised by one Inspector to keep him proper path, the family pleaded and forced him to take a trip to Sabarimala. He nonchalantly accepted the offer but returns with the double religious fervor, refusing to discard his garb, and immersed totally in religious rituals. He continues his saintly life without any family commitments.

He leaves the home after the quarrel with his frustrated wife and decides to lead his life like a swami, least caring about his family’s future. Various experiences later, the man comes to terms with himself, and realizes where his true responsibility lay in. His wife’s reaction and the family acceptance after him back home forms the climax.

Elangovan role is tailor made for Thankar and he fits into the role comfortably. Navya Nair as the beleaguered wife steals the show. An excellent performance from Navya, who’s enacted her role with understanding and a surprising maturity. The greatest asset for this film is the music of the maestro. Ilayaraja is outstanding in background score.

Thankar asserted in the movie that frantic devotion is also an addiction like alcohol, nicotine and drugs. The person who refuses to perform his duties because of being an ardent devotee is not different from the person who relinquishes his responsibilities under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The camera focusing the sign board displaying “Thanthai Periyar Perunthu Nilayam” (Thanthai Periyar Bus Station) when Elangovan realized his recklessness and returns to the responsible track with new lease of life is a thoughtful directional touch.

Thankar once again reaffirmed that he is a no-nonsense movie maker. Though the movie does not contain any ingenious graphics and exquisite foreign locales, it has plausible storyline. This movie is undoubtedly one more feather in his cap.