Aug 14, 2008 12:48 AM
1800 Views
Subramaniyapuram is a period flick which takes you back to Madurai of the 1980s. The city is well known for its chaste culture, gangsta style friendships, temples, jasmine flowers, communal clashes, and more. I can say that for sure, because its my native place. But I will keep the review honest.
The story is about the life of five friends, specially of which two are very close to each other. Most of the elements I said above, are beautifully captured. The first half of the film brings a good amount of nostalgia. The innocent way in which the love scenes are portrayed are very sweet to watch, and makes us feel if we could also find such a love in today's fast paced world.
The drawl and the slang of words itself makes good humor, combined with kanja karuppu's comical ventures. The wit and dialogue delivery was even better than Paruthi Veeran. I was quite surprised to see the theatre scream with laughter for some of the dialogues which I found common madurai talk - but hey, it was a Chennai audience who have never heard such slangs or body language.
Nearing the second half, the friends' aimless youth is diverted into a violent activity. What follows is a long tail of violence which makes you revel in your seats. I do wonder why the director turned such a sweet film into a gory one towards the end. But the message it carries is very deep, and can be portrayed in no other means.
So, despite the violence and gore, why is it a must watch?
There may have been many films exploring friendship and trust. But this one is truly original.
For other city audiences - the humor and love scenes are surely worth watching! It certainly gives you an idea of how its like to live in a town/village like Madurai.
For madurai audiences - it shows how youth in the city are cheated and used by establishing false trust.
