Gracing Kollywood with a movie that is art
Movie Review: Seethakaathi Director: Balaji Tharaneetharan Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Parvati Nair, Sunil Reddy, Mouli and Remya Nambeesan Rating: 7/10
SEETHAKAATHI is Kollywood star Vijay Sethupathi’s 25th movie and proves to be an unusual film about Ayya Aadhimoolam (Vijay Sethupathi) and his life as an esteemed theatre artiste.
A celebration of the life of Aadhimoolam – a giant in the theatre world who died in 2017 – director Balaji has handled this movie quite deftly in dishing out a whole load of surprises and fantasy elements that you will barely expect from a movie of this genre. However, he should be applauded for including elements like drama, sentiment, fantasy and comedy.
Seethakaathi is a finely crafted art movie sans any masala elements to give it a commercial flair. This movie is for connoisseurs of fine art films.
The initial 40 minutes features various exquisitely shot theatre sequences. Thereafter, there is no stopping the comic element that goes full throttle towards a surprising climax.
Music director Govind Vasantha shines in the music department with his finely tuned instruments, which have a positive effect on the overall quality of the film.
Interestingly, the film is made on live sound and has been executed convincingly, without hindrances.
Balaji and Govind Vasantha seem to have worked in tandem, as their work stands out. The film shifts from one mood to another effortlessly.
All the actors have done commendable jobs in delivering dialogues in live sound, which is quite challenging. However, they all make it seem so easy.
Sethupathi must again be singled out, as he plays his role with aplomb. This role was tailor made for him and he proves yet again why he is a bankable actor in Kollywood.
Sethuapthi plays the 73-year-old theatre artiste realistically. The prosthetic make-up is good and you must bear in mind that Sethupathi had to sit through four hours of prosthetic make-up, on a daily basis, while the film was in production.
He proves he is the pinnacle of dedication and this award-winning performance will be remembered.
On the whole, Seethakaathi is an interesting film that has a mixture of art, pathos and comedic moments to make it a one time watch at the movies.
● Seethakaathi is being shown twice daily at the Cine Centre Sun Coast in Durban.
● Lachimiah is an ex-presenter on Radio Phoenix and two other community radio stations. He is a seasoned MC and motivational speaker, and has a deep interest in Kollywood movies and music.