Kadaisi Vivasayi Movie Review

Kaaka Muttai fame Manikandan is back with his fourth feature film Kadaisi Vivasayi starring Late Nallandi in the lead role of the 85 year old farmer (Maayandi) who is caught in an extraordinary case. The film is what it is mainly due to the endearing old man’s purity, innocence, humanity and matter of fact nature. He literally lives and behaves the part; it’s all so natural and likable! God bless his departed soul.

The film is unlike the director’s earlier films and stands proof of his versatility and thirst to explore different genres. He has successfully blended three genres in fact – rural, devotional & social drama. The film is authentic in its portrayal of the rural folk’s livelihood and their staunch Hindu religious customs. The way old people (as seen through Maayandi) are devoted to their work, maintain their health through their daily work – life routines and are so good at what they do, is a revelation!

Vijay Sethupathi’s cameo is unlike anything that he has done before. The way his character culminates may leave you with goosebumps. Yogi Babu doesn’t add much to the film but his elephant adds to the film’s feelgood factor.

Just when you thought that the film may end up as a tragedy, Manikandan surprises us beautifully and ends the film on a fine note. Lord Murugan’s devotees may take an extra-special liking to the film. The Murugan factor and the presence of peacocks at key points in the story are hard to miss!

Santhosh Narayanan’s background score adds an international class to this ‘local yet global’ film. Manikandan also takes care of the cinematography and passes the test with flying colors. The film has a runtime of 145 minutes and takes its own sweet time to set up the rural milieu, Maayandi’s life and the other support characters in the village. You may need some time to get used to the old man’s way of talking and accent.

Kadaisi Vivasayi has very good supporting characters – the young female judge, the police constable who travels closely with Maayandi’s case, the bald young man who struggles with various types of hair treatment, the diminutive young woman (dwarf), to name a few.

Kadaisi Vivasayi will surely find favour with ardent Tamil movie buffs. Though it doesn’t have the usual commercial elements and has a semi art-house vibe, it is strong in its emotional quotient and provides a fair share of entertainment.  Kadaisi Vivasayi Movie Review by Kaushik LM

Kadaisi Vivasayi Movie Review Rating: 3.5/5