What do you think of the black mongrel roving in the barren crematory, howling beside the burning pyre? Whenever I thought of it, I felt? it was mad? What I never realized was that the animal wept for the dead man, after his body is no more and all his fellowmen began to forget him. And I? am a part of this society.

A few days back, I saw the dog on the street? it was barking? it was growling over the pedestrians. I felt again? it was mad? and also that, it was dangerous. What I never realized was that, it was very hungry? and the only way it knows (out of the education it got till then) to satisfy its hunger is to growl and grab?

And when a kind person (from this society) offered just a handful of rice, it followed him? and everyone thought, it wanted for more and they scolded the person for being kind to it. What no one ever realized was that, the animal began to devote itself to that person? the most sincere devotion?

And when even that person suspected its emotions? all it did was? howl like, as if?it was mad.

Now before you all begin to growl and howl at me, I would reveal that I am talking about the film: PITHAMAGAN (SHIVAPUTHRUDU in Telugu).

The Review: There are many things to say about the film; but, filtering out the story-telling part, I emphasize this review on three aspects of the film: the great performances delivered by the lead characters, the cinematography and the background score by the maestro, IlaiyaRaja.

Vikram, the protagonist, plays the role of a lifetime. I have seen many good performances by many actors, but not as great as this one. Playing the instincts and character of an animal is no easy task for any actor. It needs lot of determination to learn about the animal personality, and play it.
Surya, the second lead, tells us what the society should realize. And he plays his playful, but serious character with extreme ease.

Liala, opposite Surya, matched his romantic nature and even she, played the role of her lifetime. The scenes towards the climax are lifted to heights by her wonderful performance (besides Vikram?s).
Sangeetha and rest of the crew gave decent performances.

Cinematography by Subramanium helped a lot in keeping the audience with the film. It keeps one engrossed in every frame of the film.

The maestro, IlaiyaRaja, scored the background score and a couple of songs that blended into the film very well. Personally, I liked the song ’Chirugaali veechene’ (Telugu) especially for its lyrics and the singer?s clear voice and rendition.

The Final Line: The theme being offbeat is not expected to give wholesome entertainment.

Plot Revealed In The Review:	Not revealed
Best to watch with:	Alone
Movie Genre:	No Comment
Best part in the movie:	No Comment