Iraivi - Movie Review

Karthik Subbaraj got to release a movie on time unlike his previous movie ‘Jigarthanda’ which was on hold for a while before hitting the screens. After setting his stand on Kollywood with two decent flicks, he comes up with another impressive movie, Iraivi.

Iraivi - Movie Review

Iraivi is about an unconditional passion one man has towards pursuing his dream. It might be getting a girl, making a movie, writing a story or anything for that matter. With true love and passion, your dream is half done; rest requires your hard work though. Iraivi also speaks about relationships, men and women, striking chord with some of the classics made by the stalwarts of Tamil Cinema. Karthik neatly penned down the script bringing about an utmost clarity in each and every dialogue.

Alright, let’s get into detail. Yes, this review is all about story, screenplay, music and performance.

What makes you stay seated?

As the introduction credit starts to roll, the shrieking rain drops rings in your ears and sets the tale on. The subtlety of emotions revolving around three women follows, which was an engaging opening that would make you stay seated as its inducing and innovative.

Story is very poignant and thought provoking. A passionate director struggles to release his movie after having a clash with the producer and becomes a drunkard. His brothers come up with some interesting plan, which have an effect on their lives as well as the women around them. Latter suffers the most with this unbearable male arrogance and dominance. Story deals with women, art and passion. The idea of conveying women-centric messages through idols was novel as well as inspiring.

Screenplay engages you with strong and powerful dialogues and artistic cinematography. Most of the dialogues will hit you hard and some can even make you shed tears. It was dark, satire and witty. While Jigarthanda was more of Tarantino, Iraivi is more of Balachander and Balu Mahendra.

Watch out these scenes to know the impact of these yesteryear giants on this movie -

Bobby Simha's anguish take on male arrogance kneading it with Kannagi
SJ Suriya's reply to Vaibhav about his attained love
SJ Suriya's final words on screen (my personal favourite)

Sivakumar Vijayan with his lens tidily covered the script. Be it a picturesque landscape of Wayanad or a violent interval shot, he has presented them well. Vivek Harshan handled the precision of the movie with quick cuts and edits. Vijay Murugan’s art work greatly supplemented director’s vision.

Santhosh Narayanan (Music), once again comes with a composition that not just sits well with the frame but also augment its emotional quotient. Songs were quirky yet harmonizing. The BGM composed at different instances enhance the visuals.

Finally, it was the actors who pulled it off with an amazing performance. SJ Surya was at his best on screen. He was witty, emotional and expressive. Most of his dialogues fetched him a roaring applause. Vijay Sethupathi was at his usual amusing best, toning well with the script. Be it a hilarious exchange of words with a set of gangsters or a blood-shedding interval block or an emotional scene, he handled it all at ease. Bobby Simha was eloquent when it comes to Karthik Subbaraj movies; maybe he is used well just here.

Anjali came up with an effortless performance just like Angadi Theru and Kattrathu Tamil. Kamalinee Mukherjee as a responsible and loving wife was impressive. Pooja Devariya with her gritty role took a hit on every man as well as so-called societal norms. Honestly, she is an actor to be watched. And all the woman were brilliant in this women-centric flick. Karunakaran, Radharavi and Cheenu Mohan have also done their part making Iraivi a complete package.

What would have been better?

The comic exchange between Vijay Sethupathi and the opponent gang leader during the opening shot was engaging compared to the song that followed. And the same goes with the song that followed a beautiful father-daughter shot in the second half. These songs did make the movie look a bit stretched, which could have been handled better. These negatives take a back seat as the strong story line and remarkable performances leave you awestruck.

Iraivi is one such movie that shall have a long lasting impact even after you walk out of the theatre. Although it targets a particular set of people, it is a must watch for all.