Kozhipannai Chelladurai Film Review: The emotionally charged second half compensates for its shortcomings.
Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai presents yet another narrative that dismantles the illusion of strength, revealing a man's emotional and psychological vulnerabilities. This is achieved not through any formidable force, but rather through the absence of warmth and reassurance, which are arguably the most devastating weapons.
Among a group of ten individuals, it is likely that seven or eight will offer solutions for a wide array of issues, ranging from minor civic matters to complex geopolitical conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine situations. However, their confidence in resolving external problems often diminishes when confronted with their own unresolved traumas and troubled histories. The film "Kozhipannai Chelladurai," directed by Seenu Ramasamy, confronts these so-called 'solution providers' with the challenge of addressing their emotional burdens.
The narrative of "Kozhipannai Chelladurai" unfolds with young Chelladurai and his sister Jeyasudha as passive observers of their parents' chaotic marriage, which is nearing its conclusion. Their inebriated father, Viruman, unexpectedly returns from military service and, aware of his wife's infidelity through meddlesome neighbors, takes drastic action by restraining both her and her lover. Ultimately, Viruman abandons his children at their grandmother's home. The film explores the struggles of this fractured family as they attempt to navigate their circumstances and redefine the concept of 'family.'
Kozhipannai Chelladurai, much like other films by Seenu Ramasamy, does not adhere to the conventional structure of regular dramatic moments or the three-act format. A significant issue with such films is that the world-building and character development must be exceptionally strong to offset the absence of these momentary highlights. This film particularly suffers from its reliance on repetitive character interactions, a hallmark of Ramasamy's screenplays. Aegan convincingly portrays Chelladurai as a stoic individual who will disregard anything that obstructs his focus on his sister's welfare. The first half could have benefited from a more concise approach to exposition. While Chelladurai's affection for his sister Jayasudha (Sathya Devi), his discomfort regarding his mother's disgrace, his rejection of Thamaraiselvi's (Brigida Saga) romantic overtures, and his respect for uncle Periyasamy (Yogi Babu) are all essential elements, the film devotes excessive time to illustrating each of these facets. Furthermore, set against the lush backdrop of Theni district, Kozhipannai Chelladurai falters by confining the narrative of Chelladurai and Jayasudha to themselves and their immediate circle. Historically, films with rural settings have thrived when the screenplay incorporates the idea that everyone's lives are interconnected. Despite having the potential for such a narrative, the absence of multiple characters to generate conflict or drama represents a missed opportunity. Additionally, the unsuccessful attempts at humor further detract from the effectiveness of the first half.
Director: Seenu Ramasamy
Cast: Aegan, Sathya Devi, Yogi Babu, Brigida Saga
As this marks Aegan's first film, his acting limitations remain unknown at this stage. However, his expressiveness has indeed contributed positively to his portrayal of the character. Sathya Devi delivers a commendable performance as a reserved and humble sister. While her role appears to exacerbate Chelladurai's trust issues, which he must overcome, it does not lead to any negative feelings towards her character. The audience can appreciate that Jeyasudha's limited social circle of fewer than ten individuals justifies her predictable reactions to various situations, creating a nuanced blend of empathy and admiration. Although the humor often falls flat, Yogi Babu's character, Periyasamy, is given more depth beyond mere body-shaming jokes, such as "Neeye Kozhi botti (intestine) maadhri irukka, enakku nee pottiya (competition)," and he manages to execute this role effectively. In contrast, Brigida faces a significant challenge in distinguishing herself among numerous heroines who have appeared in countless films, often relegated to roles that primarily involve winning over a man through cooking and appearance. Consequently, Brigida's opportunities for differentiation are quite limited.
Kozhipannai Chelladurai offers a glimmer of hope, particularly in the second half, which features remarkable twists and emotionally resonant moments. In a manner reminiscent of Seenu Ramasamy's earlier works, the narrative establishes a life and ecosystem, only to introduce challenges that threaten to disrupt this balance, ultimately steering the story toward its climax. Chelladurai's struggle to confront his past is portrayed with depth, evoking the audience's empathy. While many Tamil cinema protagonists embark on grand missions to save the world, none can truly capture the disorientation experienced when a troubling and distant memory resurfaces, forcing itself into the present. Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai continues his exploration of the theme of emotional and psychological vulnerability, revealing a man's fragility not through grandiose means, but rather through the absence of warmth and reassurance, which can be profoundly damaging.
