Movie Review : Sir
The Bose Venkat directed Sir is based on the topic of education. The story is set in rural Tamilnadu, in a small village called Manjolai. Arasan ( Saravanan) who has retired from his role as headmaster, in a school founded by his father before him, now has his son Sivagnanam (Vemal) taking over the task of running the goverenment- aided school that has always . The father and son differ in their way of thinking so there are bound to be hiccups till the duo reach some meeting point. Sivagnanam gets into frivolous activities, till one day, he finds his true calling as a teacher who can make a huge difference to the lives of so many.
Does Gnanam succeed in accomplishing his father's vision? What obstacles does he gave to overcome?
The film is set in the 80's and the period is well replicated on screen. Bose Venkat attempts to highlight the tight grip of caste factors, age old belief systems and vested interests in keeping certain sections oppressed and devoid of the bright future that education ensures for the underpriveleged. Siraj and Jayabalan as the antagonists leave a mark while Chhaya Devi as a school teacher does a commendable job.
Vemal is in his element and delivers a convincing performance as the son and educator, who eventually finds his path. Saravanan as the father, delivers a solid act (even though his character may seem cliched at times).
Bose Venkat manages to establish an emotional connect via the drama on screen, where simple folks with noble ideas of uplifting society have to grapple against several odds to achieve their goals. However, a crisper edit, may have helped establish a stronger connect. Certain commercial tropes such as songs and violent fights could have been lesser perhaps, while certain characters could have been more well-roundedly written.
The film brings in references to mental health as well through the lives of some of its characters.
An engaging film with noble intentions, good casting and sound performances that explores the challenges of rural-based education while highlighting the importance of how it can change the lives of generations to come. A thought provoking film on the significance of education in the struggle for social justice.
Rating 3/5