“Pariyerum Perumal,” a Tamil drama film, hit the screens on September 28, 2018. Directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by Pa. Ranjith, the movie belongs to the social drama genre. It deals with heavy themes like caste discrimination and inequality while presenting an emotionally gripping narrative. The film’s release created waves in the Tamil cinema industry, with critics and audiences praising its bold storytelling. This review will delve into the movie’s plot, strengths, and overall impact.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story follows Pariyerum Perumal, a young man from a marginalized community, who dreams of becoming a lawyer. His journey begins when he joins a law college in Tirunelveli. However, his aspirations face hurdles due to societal prejudices and systemic oppression. The film portrays his struggles, friendships, and the injustices he encounters, all while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Without giving away spoilers, the plot offers a poignant exploration of how Pariyerum’s life unfolds against the backdrop of caste-based discrimination.
What’s Good?
One of the standout elements of “Pariyerum Perumal” is the stellar performance by Kathir, who plays the titular character. His portrayal of a young man torn between hope and despair is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Anandhi, as Jo, delivers a nuanced performance, adding depth to the story.
Mari Selvaraj’s direction is a revelation. His ability to weave a compelling narrative while addressing sensitive social issues is commendable. The screenplay is tight, ensuring that every scene serves a purpose. The dialogues, rooted in the local dialect, bring authenticity to the storytelling.
Santhosh Narayanan’s music is another highlight. The soundtrack, particularly the song “Karuppi,” captures the essence of the film’s themes. The background score enhances the emotional depth of key scenes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The cinematography by Sridhar captures the rural landscapes beautifully while emphasizing the harsh realities of the protagonist’s life. The use of natural lighting and close-up shots adds to the raw and realistic feel of the movie.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Authentic Storytelling: The movie’s strength lies in its honest depiction of caste-based issues.
- Strong Performances: Both lead and supporting actors bring their characters to life convincingly.
- Direction and Screenplay: Mari Selvaraj’s debut as a director is a triumph.
- Music and Cinematography: These elements elevate the emotional impact of the film.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing: Certain portions of the film, particularly in the second half, feel slightly stretched.
- Repetitive Themes: While the message is powerful, some viewers might find the treatment of caste issues repetitive if they are familiar with similar films.
Target Audience
“Pariyerum Perumal” is a must-watch for those who appreciate socially relevant cinema. It will resonate with viewers who enjoy realistic storytelling and films that address important issues. While it may not appeal to fans of commercial masala entertainers, it’s an excellent choice for audiences seeking thought-provoking content.
Box Office Details
The film was made on a modest budget of approximately INR 5 crore. Despite its niche appeal, “Pariyerum Perumal” managed to perform well at the box office, thanks to positive word-of-mouth. Here’s a breakdown of its earnings:
- Day 1 (India): INR 1 crore
- Day 2 (India): INR 1.5 crore
- Day 3 (India): INR 2 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 1 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): INR 1.2 crore
The worldwide box office collection stood at approximately INR 25 crore, making it a commercial success. The film’s strong content and critical acclaim played a significant role in its box office performance.
Recommendation
“Pariyerum Perumal” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves to be seen. With its strong performances, impactful direction, and socially relevant message, it’s a cinematic gem. Highly recommended for viewers who value meaningful cinema.
Genres:
Romance, Drama
Rating:
8.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kathir | Pariyerum Perumal |
| Anandhi | Jothi Mahalakshmi |
| Yogi Babu | Anand |
| G. Marimuthu | Jothi Mahalakshmi’s Father |
| Lijeesh | Sankaralingam |
| Supergood Subramani | |
| Shanmugarajan | Kathir’s Fake Father |
| Hari Krishnan | Pariyerum’s Senior |
| ‘Poo’ Ram | Law College Principal |
| Lizzie Antony | College Professor |
| Karate Venkatesan | Thatha Maistry |
| Arjun Raam | |
| Subathra Robert |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
