Raghu Thatha (2024) Movie Review
The film explores the cultural and linguistic diversity of India, highlighting the protagonist's battle against patriarchal norms. While it conveys a powerful message, it raises questions about its effectiveness, given the blend of humor and seriousness present in the narrative.
I had not intended to watch this film over the weekend. My initial choice was 'It Ends with Us,' but my friend, who has already read the book, advised me against it due to the characters not meeting their expectations. It has been quite some time since I engaged with any fiction, yet perhaps it is time for me to revisit that genre.
Regarding the film, my expectations were one thing, but the outcome was quite different. Before I provide a review for my general audience who do not speak Tamil, I would like to offer a brief context. India is known for its rich diversity in culture and languages. While I will refrain from delving into political matters, there exists a concern, or at least what I perceive to be one, regarding the imposition of Hindi, one of the Indian languages, on speakers of other languages. A common phrase often used humorously to illustrate this situation when someone is questioned in Hindi is: ‘Ek gaon mein ek kisan Raghu Thatha...
The film is titled 'Raghu Thatha' and is a Tamil production directed by Suman Kumar. The narrative revolves around Kayalvizhi Pandian, a female banker employed at a nationalized bank. Under the pseudonym "Ka Pa," she pens motivational short stories, convinced that her gender would deter readers from engaging with her work. The setting appears to be in the 1970s, although I may have overlooked that aspect. Kayalvizhi actively opposes the mandatory learning of Hindi in Valluvanpettai, yet remains receptive to the language if necessary. She also challenges cultural norms that restrict women's freedoms, particularly those stemming from patriarchy. She vocally criticizes forced marriages, the expectation for women to wear traditional attire at home, and the loss of aspirations that often accompanies marriage.
However, her circumstances shift dramatically when her supportive grandfather is diagnosed with stomach cancer, leading her to feel emotionally compelled to consent to marriage, as it is one of his final wishes. On her commute to work, she encounters Tamil Selvan, a government engineer involved in village electrification, who captivates her with his reading habits and progressive demeanor. Faced with familial pressure and limited options, she perceives him as a suitable partner, believing he would respect her values and choices.
As the plot unfolds, Kayal initially finds Tamil Selvan's behavior appealing, only to later realize that he is a misogynistic manipulator intent on exacting revenge after their wedding. This situation evokes a scene from the film Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, where the female protagonist falls for a seemingly progressive professor who ultimately reveals his true nature. Returning to Kayal's story, she devises a plan to escape the impending marriage by successfully passing her promotion exam in Hindi, which enables her to relocate to Calcutta and pursue her writing career. Additionally, she engages in various clever antics to evade the marriage.
I would like to share my reflections. Kayal undoubtedly captured the audience's attention. Throughout the film, there was a persistent emphasis on Kayal serving as a role model for numerous young individuals, a responsibility she had to uphold due to its potential influence. The film's exploration of Hindi and its relationship with patriarchy was executed effectively; however, it failed to leave a significant impression due to the blend of lighthearted humor and serious themes. I am uncertain about its reach among viewers.
The narrative illustrated Kayal's struggle to maintain her principles while attempting to evade marriage, particularly in her efforts to communicate her predicament to her grandfather. It was unexpected that her progressive grandfather overlooked Tamil Selvan's misogynistic tendencies and was prepared to compromise his values for the sake of the marriage. The supporting characters, such as Alamelu, the bank manager, and Suneel, were portrayed commendably. Notably, Kayal's sister-in-law made a memorable impact despite her limited screen time, humorously suggesting the use of a lorry driver to resolve issues through violence. A particularly poignant moment occurred when Tamil Selvan's mother opposed the marriage and assisted Kayal in her escape. Perhaps the character of Rangu could have been developed more robustly.
I anticipated that Kayal would ultimately relocate to Calcutta to pursue her aspirations of becoming a writer; however, the film concluded with her at the same bus stop in her hometown. The musical elements were enjoyable. While the film conveyed a powerful message, I question whether audiences will possess the patience to engage with it fully. It may have benefited from a more focused approach, either adopting a serious tone or embracing full comedy. I encourage you to give it a chance as it is currently being screened in theaters.
🎬 Movie: Raghu Thatha
📅 Year: 2024
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 7.3
