Neela Nira Sooriyan Film Review: Samyuktha's subtlety and authenticity stand out prominently.
Neela Nira Sooriyan Movie Synopsis: Samyuktha Vijayan’s Neela Nira Sooriyan presents a poignant examination of identity and bravery, centered around the life of Aravind, a schoolteacher from a small South Indian town. Set against the backdrop of a conservative society, the film chronicles Aravind’s transformative journey as he embraces his authentic self, Bhanu, while navigating the complexities of transitioning within a traditional community. The film is commendable for its authentic portrayal of personal struggles and interpersonal relationships.
Neela Nira Sooriyan Movie Review: The narrative centers around Aravind (Samyuktha Vijayan), a modest high school educator whose life is characterized by monotony until he courageously decides to undergo hormone therapy. As he transitions into his true self as Bhanu, he receives unwavering support from his close friend Haritha (Haritha). However, this journey is fraught with challenges. Bhanu encounters significant obstacles, including familial pressure to enter into an arranged marriage and a school administration that perceives her not as an educator but as a liability. The situation intensifies when a non-binary student, Karthik (Masanth), begins to question societal conventions, leading the administration to unfairly attribute the ensuing turmoil to Bhanu.
Samyuktha Vijayan, portraying both Aravind and Bhanu, delivers a performance that is both gentle and measured. Her depiction of Bhanu’s joy upon receiving her first pair of women’s shoes, as well as her response to discrimination, infuses the film with significant emotional depth. The authenticity of Samyuktha’s character is evident, as she draws from her own experiences. The manner in which she concludes the narrative is commendable.
The film's small-town backdrop is crucial to its effectiveness. The depiction of the dilapidated school restroom serves to emphasize Bhanu's isolation and the myriad challenges she faces. Samyuktha has noted that the film illustrates the vital role of location, social support, and financial stability in the journey of a transgender individual. Bhanu’s challenges underscore the consequences of lacking any of these essential elements.
The school’s administration appears indifferent to Bhanu’s well-being, primarily seeking to exploit her story for favorable publicity. Nevertheless, Bhanu’s journey centers on self-acceptance and resilience. This theme is mirrored in her relationship with Karthik, a young student who also resists conventional gender norms. This subplot could benefit from further development, and Bhanu’s confrontational approach to dealing with Karthik’s bullies may be overly aggressive. Those familiar with high school dynamics understand that rebellion and complaints to authority often exacerbate situations; a more tactful approach can yield better results.
The supporting cast, including Haritha, Geetha Kailasam, Kitty, and Manimekalai, while appearing briefly, contribute meaningfully to the narrative.
The cinematography resembles a documentary style, with a predominantly static camera that captures life as it unfolds. The absence of distracting backgrounds allows for a focused engagement with the story. Neela Nira Sooriyan stands out as a noteworthy entry in the Indie film genre.
