One up for women, this is a must-watch movie
Movie Review: Aramm Cast: Nayanthara, V Anandakrishnan, Ramachandran Durairaj, Ramesh, Sunu Lakshmi, Vela Ramamurthy and Vignesh Story, Screenplay and Direction: Gopi Naayanaar Music: Gibran Rating: 9/10
Reviewer: Mala Lutchmanan
IN A male-dominated industry, it is enlightening to see women centric movies receiving prominence and appreciation.
Aramm is an intense, emotional roller-coaster that examines pertinent social issues – a movie that one will easily identify with.
While playing in the dusty barren fields of the village of Kottoor, a little girl named Dhanshika (Mahalakshmi) falls into an empty borewell that is about 28m deep.
Because of the negligence of the authorities, the borewell was left uncovered. Mass hysteria results. Within an hour, retrieve and rescue units, the army, advanced medical units, politicians, etc, converge on the scene trying to rescue Dhanshika. The challenges faced by these units also highlights the urban-rural divide in India.
Enters the righteous district collector Madhivadhini (Nayanthara), who has the villagers best interest at heart.
Her decision to use a rather unconventional method to rescue the girl sets her apart from the other authorities and opens her to criticism, which leaves her job hanging in the balance.
Does Madhivadhini crumble under these trying circumstances? Does she choose the security of her job over her conscience? Is she able to save the girl? Watch
Aramm to find out.
Sunu Lakshmi as the mother and Ramachandran Durairaj as the father are extraordinary in award-winning performances.
They bring out the necessary emotions required of their respective characters effortless. Nayanthara scores well, carrying off the elegance and grace of the headstrong yet compassionate collector with finesse. Her crisp dialogue delivery is also applauded. She carries the movie, ably assisted by an amazing supporting cast.
Director Gopi has woven a masterpiece in Aramm. A strong script that is well written, attention to detail and a flowing narrative in bringing out pertinent social issues that plague the common man makes for compelling viewing and all credit goes to director Gopi.
Music director Gibran does not disappoint. His music blends perfectly with the genre of the movie, his work akin to that of a seasoned music director.
Om Prakash’s lens brings out the authentic rustic feel of village life vividly.
A solid script that is perfectly executed and aided by some brilliant performances makes this socio-political thriller a must-watch.