Selvi ( Swasika) is a widow now in her 40's, living in a village with her 2 sons Bhaskar (Ajay Dhishan) and Vivek ( Sakthi). From childhood they are very attached to her, a single parent who was widowed early in life.
Many village men proposition Selvi but she rejects them all. With great difficulty she manages to educate her sons well. As they move outside for work and studies, she is left alone, in her small home. When her sons become of marriageable age, proposals start coming for then.
But this world of Selvi, is rocked by an idea that unsettles everyone, when Selvi thinks of remarriage.
Why does she do so? How do her doting sons, her siblings and mother react? What does the village say? Does she ever find love and a new life ?
The film based on true events and a novel, is charged with emotions running high and family drama at its peak, when Selvi's family react in anger. How men seek to control her and stop this percieved threat of this precedent of widow re-marriage from spreading, and influencing others, is all well brought out by director Sasi. The scenes where Karunas and her family try to kill Selvi are rivetting. The reactions and changes of her sons is shown in a measured and effective manner. The scenes with the 3 of them together in the second half, tug at the heartstrings.
The scenes with
Vijay Antony as the prospective groom, are tender and impactful. The pre -climax and climax portions are charged with suspense, sentiment and thrilling moments and are a highlight of the film.
The first half of the film however, feels choppy, with scenes seemingly stiched together at random, with emotional scenes interrupted randomly by comedy, anger, love, flashbacks and the like, breaking the momentum and leaving the viewer a bit confused.
But the second half makes up for it and the film ends with a gripping climax.
Kudos to all actors for their superb performances. Vijay Antony holds attention with his nuanced performance and seems to live his character. Sasi has brought out the actor in him superbly.
Swasika carries the film on her shoulders with a mind blowing act, delivering every expression and dialogue in a most credible manner, with a body language that transforms her into Selvi. Among her career best performances for this actor!
Ajay Dhishan ( Pookie fame) gives a noteworthy performance as the son who sees the issue with maturity and feels for his mother. His scenes with his family of 3 bring brings out their close bond.
Bugs, Vinodini and Kavya Anil play significant roles to watch out for. Balaji Sakthivel is aptly cast and simply tops in a lengthy role.
The visuals and making are good and the dialogues are effective and well written.
The film brings out superbly how a close knit rural society percieves new ideas and how much they can control things and make life tough for those who dont adhere to their norms.
On the flip side, the film seems to need better editing especially in the first half. There is melodrama and over reaction in scenes which seems out of place. This seems to bring down the impact of the film a bit.
However, a solid second half, a superb climax, soulful, well picturised tracks, good visuals, excellent casting and performances, strong family sentiments and a significant social message, make the film a splendid watch for family audiences.
Rating 3/5
*NOORU SAMI*
*CAST*
Vijay Antony as Elumalai
Swasika as Selvi
Ajay Dhishan as Baskar
Sakthi as Vivek
Padinie Kumar as Sandhiya
Kavya Anil as Vandhana
Karunaas as Ganesan mama
Lijomol as Anjella sister
Balaji Sakthivel as Pachai Perumal
Aruldoss as School sir
Munishkanth as Munishwaran
Jenson Diwakar as Drivaa
Bucks as Kimki
Vinothini as Babyma
*CREW*
Produced by Vijay Antony Film Corporation - Meera Vijay Antony
Written and Directed by Sasi
DOP – S.B. DARSHAN KIRLOSH
MUSIC DIRECTOR – BALAJI SRIRAM
EDITOR – HARISH YUVARAJ
ART DIRECTOR – V. SASI KUMAR
STUNT MASTER – RAMKUMAR
CHOREOGRAPHER – VIJI SATHEESH
LYRICIST – MOHAN RAJAN
CASTING DIRECTOR – SUGUMAR SHANMUGAM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER -D. NAVEEN KUMAR
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE - ANNAMALAI SAMI
TECHNICAL HEAD - JANARTHANAN
SOUND ENGINEER – S. CHANDRASEKAR
FINAL MIXING – A. M. RAHMATHULLAH
SOUND EFFECTS – VIJAY RATHINAM
MAKEUP – SREERAJAN MANI
COSTUME DESIGNER – DURGA PRIYA
COSTUMER – GANESH
STILL PHOTOGRAPHER –MAHESH JAYACHANDRAN
DI - PROMOWORKS - ADITYA
D I T (DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN ) - SAKTHIVEL
DESIGNER – VYAGI , RAMESH
PRO – NIKIL MURUKAN.
