Movie Review : Maanbumigu Parai

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 Vetri ( Leo Sivakumar) and Ezhil ( Aaryan) are close friends who run a troupe of Parai players. They have a rule however, not to play for funerals and temple festivals. Their aim is to spread the prestige of the age old parai instrument. Vetri falls in love and is happily married to a loving wife (Gayatri Rema).


But in this journey, the two friends make many an enemy in people who don't want them to come up in their life and view them as a threat to their social standing.

What are the tough situations and tragedies they have to endure? Do they survive and achieve their dreams?

The film seeks to highlight the traditional parai percussion instrument and bring it the credit and place that the filmmaker feels it deserves  and to that extent the movie does succeed via the characters and their dialogues. The obstacles and ideologies on their way are also well brought out.

The talanted Gayatri Rema is charming and a breath of fresh air in a serious subject and her performance shines especially  in the latter half of the film.  

The talented Aaryan does a neat job as Ezhil while Leo as Vetri leaves a mark as the fiery and ambitious young man.  Together the sincere act of the duo succeed in bringing the director's vision to life and in highlighting the message of the movie. 

However, the screenplay is a choppy ride at times, seemingly stuck in a template of romance, humor, comedy and action.  But in the moments that it rises above the usual cinematic tropes, the film strikes an emotional chord with the viewer. One wishes there was more of the same, which could have elevated the film a bit more. 

However, kudos to the makers for choosing a different subject and attempting to highlight a social message.

Maanbumigu Parai’

Starring: Leo Siva Kumar, Gayathri rema and Others

Directed by: S. Vijay Sukumar
Music: “Thenisai Thendral” Deva
Produced by: Subha & Suresh Ram
Executive Producer: T. Murali
Co-Produced by: J.F. Nakirane & Kavidha

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