Movie Review : Lineman
The film is based on the real life struggles a young man from a small hamlet in the salt pans area of Thoothukudi in TN. Senthil (Jegan) is an electronics enthusiast, hailing from a poor family, his dad, a lineman Subbaraj ( Charle) his sole family member, who encourages him at every turn. Senthil dreams of inventing something useful to make lives better for the common man, namely, a automatic solar powered light, for the streets, but despite all his efforts, he is plagued by scorn, misfortune and corruption.
Does the young man finally get to schieve his goals?
The film details the trials and tribulations and the daily struggles of people from remote areas and the mountains they have to cross to achieve the smallest goals that city folk have access to much more easily.
Charle as the Lineman is superb, once again effortlessly bringing to life a character on screen. The father-son bond and his struggles with a loan shark are some of the emotional highpoints of the film. Jegan as the optimistic youth who doesnt give up despite all the troubles gives a notable and sincere performance. Aditi Balan makes an impactful appearance in a brief role.
The film is sprinkled with various sub plots which at times distract from the main story. This somehow distracts from connecting with the emotions of the main characters.
The visuals with aerial views and long shots are breathtaking and at times stark, and bringing out both the hope and despair of the characters.
A bit of crisper editing, avoiding lengthy, slow shots, would have encapsulated the story better and made the narration tighter.
The film seeks to highlight the real life struggles of India's talented youth and manages to so in a realistic, engaging and sincere manner and for this, deserves full appreciation.
The film is streaming on Aha ott.
Rating 3/ 5
starring Charlie, Jegan, Aditi Balan, Saranya Ravichandran & Others
Directed by Udhaya Kumar
