Review Overview
Performances
Story & Narration
Technical Aspects & Music
Brilliantly staged emotional drama.
Pariyerum Perumal comes off as a wonderful film on oppression, throwing light on a delicate area. There are some chilling scenes and clap-worthy dialogues that work in the film's favor, making it memorable. Deservingly, a hugely laudable film.
Cast: Kathir, Anandhi, Yogibabu, Lijeesh and others
Cinematography: Sridhar
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Editing: Selva RK
Art Director: Ramu Thangaraj
Stunts: Stunner Sam
Written & Directed by: Mari Selvaraj
Produced by: Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions
Release Date: 28-09-2018
Run Time: 02:34:00
Mari Selvaraj makes a hard-hitting and discussion-worthy debut with Pariyerum Perumal, an emotionally moving drama that speaks about an important topic in the most honest and matured manner. While many films in the past have dealt with the space of oppression, this film does it in the right way without contriving much.
The story focusses on the basic relationship between a Dalit man and a woman of the upper class. When the latter’s family make a shameful move in the name of putting the hero back at his place, it starts a series of events that pushes the protagonist to fight for his rights. Though the film goes through a normal romantic track in the first half, the seriousness kicks in big time when the actual intent comes alive.
Pariyerum Perumal makes use of the shock value technique, gobsmacking the viewer every 15 minutes by giving in an unexpected turn. There’s a little bit of foreshadowing used by the director to narrate the story of an old man in the first half, which nicely slides into the main story at a later point. The film also has a dog playing an important part, the intricacies of which should be left for the watch.
Kathir comes forward with a superb performance, putting in a top level effort to get into the skin of the character. It’s another great addition to his list of different films that he has been doing. Anandhi on the other hand, is the much-needed combination of a pretty face and a solid performer. Lovely contributions from the lead pair. The supporting cast has many other faces, but it is lead by an old man Karate Natarajan who really sends a chill down the spine.
The cinematography and the music are apt for the film. With interesting shot compositions and a chilling background score, the much-needed aesthetics for the film are brought about nicely. Watch out for Karuppi and Naan Yaar!
Overall, Pariyerum Perumal comes off as a wonderful film on oppression, throwing light on a delicate area. There are some chilling scenes and clap-worthy dialogues that work in the film’s favor, making it memorable. Deservingly, a hugely laudable film.