Paruthiveeran is daringly different

Tamil Cinema is at an interesting phase these days, what with a number of talented directors, actors, scenarists, music directors and other technicians making their foray into Kollywood and achieving varying amounts of success. The year 2007 started on a very promising note with films like Mozhi, Veyil, Naan Avan Illai, Chennai 600028, Karuppuswamy Kuthagaitharar etc with lesser known and less popular stars achieving success. It is to this list that Paruthiveeran gets added.

The story of the film, set in a village somewhere in the Madurai- Theni districts is about Paruthiveeran (Karthi) and Muthazhagu (Priyamani). Veeran, born to an upper caste father and a lower caste mother is brought up by his paternal uncle (Saravanan) and grandmother after the tragic demise of his parents in an accident. He is in love with his paternal aunt's daughter, Muthazhagu (Priyamani) whose father is a staunch upper caste Sandiyar.

There are problems galore in their love story- Muthazhagu's father cannot imagine his daughter getting married to Veeran, thanks to his parentage and Veeran, on his part, is no saint either, constantly getting involved in fights with the upper caste henchmen. The rest of the movie is all about how Paruthiveeran and Muthazhagu try in vain to make their love story a success.

I had always thought that there cannot be a film maker other than Bharathiraaja who could portray life in the villages of Tamil Nadu realistically and poignantly. Who can forget 16 Vayathinile, Man Vaasanai, Kizhakke Pokum Rayil, Karuthamma, Kizhakku Cheemayile- the list is endless. His last few movies have not been effective and at a time when it appears Bharathiraaja has lost his magic touch, emerges Ameer with his Paruthiveeran. Ameer had shown promise with his debut in "Mounam Pesiyathe" and raised the bar further by making the path breaking "Raam", that gave a new lease of life to its hero- Jeeva. He further proves his talent with Paruthiveeran. To come up with a rustic story at a time when audiences are interested in watching urban movies calls for a great deal of courage and to make it a roaring success even in the city multiplexes calls for a great deal of talent. Ameer has both in abundance and let us hope that he carries the mantle forward and makes a lot more interesting films in future.

Karthi makes a confident debut as Paruthiveeran- his looks, body language, accent- everything in place. The young actor is a welcome addition to the list of promising heroes in Kollywood. Priyamani is a revelation. In spite of having worked with Bharathiraaja (Kangalal Kaithu Sai) and Balu Mahendra (Andha oru Kanakkalam) in the past, Priyamani's talent was not evident till Paruthiveeran came along. She literally lives as Muthazhagu and even manages to score over Karthi in the climax. Saravanan is completely at ease as Karthi's Paternal Uncle and Ponnvannan proves yet again that he is a character actor capable to do wonders. The rest of the cast support the lead pair ably and blend into the background of the narrative with remarkable ease.

Yuvan Shankar Raja creates magic with his music and background score. The Kuthu pattu and the soul stirring "Ariyatha Vayassu" sung by Maestro Ilayaraaja deserve special mention. All the technical departments score- excellent photography, crisp editing, authentic art direction and good quality sound add value to the narration.

On the whole, Paruthiveeran is a classic and would remain in the minds of the viewers for a long period of time.