‘The Adamant Girl’: Berlin Review
The foundation of Vinothraj PS's sequel to 'Pebbles' is a journey to visit a shaman.
Dir/scr: PS Vinothraj. India. 2024. 100mins
A young South Indian woman, already engaged, finds herself in love with a man from a lower caste. In response to this forbidden affection, she is brought to a shaman who is tasked with exorcising the spirit of love that is believed to be influencing her. The Adamant Girl, the second feature from PS Vinothraj, serves as an emotional powder keg, enveloped in a unique ambiance of unease, agitation, and tension.
Vinothraj's inaugural feature, Pebbles, which similarly depicted a family's journey through South India, garnered the prestigious Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2021 and served as India's entry for the Oscars the subsequent year. While Pebbles was a modest production featuring a cast of local individuals and non-professional actors, The Adamant Girl is backed by Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan and features well-known South Indian stars Soori Muthuchamy and Anna Ben. Its arthouse appeal is likely to ensure a successful festival circuit, while also holding promise for local box office success.
The individuals surrounding 21-year-old Meena (Ben) appear to be filled with anger towards her, particularly her fiancé Pandi (Muthuchamy), who is outraged by her affection for another man, also from a lower caste. As both families undertake a lengthy journey to consult a shaman, whom they believe can heal Meena, Pandi's fury escalates, leading him to lash out at everyone involved in their black magic quest. Vinothraj captures the intensity of the turmoil up close before shifting to a broader perspective, effectively showcasing both the intensity and the scope of Pandi's wrath.
The more formidable force, however, is the unvoiced resentment of Meena, who has endured confinement and physical abuse for a duration of 15 days. Her act of defiance serves as her sole weapon against the pervasive influences of misogyny, patriarchy, conservatism, superstition, and the inequalities associated with caste, class, gender, and privilege. Vinothraj skillfully illustrates that patriarchy is also internalized by women; for instance, Meena’s mother holds the belief that they must submit to the demands of Pandi’s family, while Pandi’s sister claims that Meena’s pursuit of education is the primary reason for her rebellious nature. They argue that had Pandi married her immediately after high school, she would have been more compliant.
Vinothraj incorporates a sharp sense of black comedy into the narrative. For instance, when the rooster designated for sacrifice becomes unwell, the attempts to restore its health are depicted humorously. Meena appears to connect primarily with the rooster and the young son of Pandi’s sister, as both share a similar innocence and vulnerability.
The Adamant Girl effectively evokes a genuine sense of community, emphasizing the importance of supporting relatives in times of trouble, regardless of the circumstances. Casual discussions regarding real estate and infrastructure development contribute to the overall atmosphere of the setting. The strong ensemble cast adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the portrayal of the social structure; however, it is Muthuchamy and Ben who truly command attention on screen, serving as ideal counterpoints as they interact with one another.
Similar to his debut feature, Vinothraj has crafted a unique universe that emphasizes visuals over dialogue. His methodology is straightforward and devoid of sentimentality, yet it remains impactful and evocative. He portrays The Adamant Girl as a transformative exploration of gaining new perspectives. The sense of momentum is skillfully created by B Sakthi Vel’s cinematography, which follows the characters closely as they move and becomes static when they pause. This immersive technique effectively places the audience at the heart of the narrative. Additionally, Ganesh Siva’s editing, which alternates between extended takes and rapid cuts, adds both weight and urgency to the storytelling.
Production company: Sivakarthikeyan Productions LLP
International sales: Sivakarthikeyan Productions LLP, kalai@sivakarthikeyanproductions.com
Producers: Sivakarthikeyan, Kalai Arasu P
Cinematography: B Sakhti Vel
Production design: Kingsley Paul
Editing: Ganesh Siva
Main cast: Soori Muthuchamy, Anna Ben
