Pariyerum Perumal Review: Kathir stars in a hard-hitting drama

Seldom do films choke you with emotions, and make you ponder so much about its characters and how it reflects our society. Director Mari Selvaraj‘s Pariyerum Perumal is one such film that shines like a diamond in a crown. Its story is similar to that of finding the diamond, as there is a need to dig deep into earth’s surface, find a gravel bed, dust it off and then extract the precious jewel. To back this statement, one needs to know the story of the film. The film revolves around Pariyerum Perumal (Kathir), a law college student who belongs to a small village, who befriends his classmate, Jothi Mahalakshmi (Anandhi) a girl who belongs to another town, and who is wealthier (a different caste from Perumal). Trouble begins in Perumal’s life when Jothi’s father and brothers humiliate and attack him over his closeness with the girl.

This is fairly familiar idea, but what made his ordinary plot exceptional is how the story flows in a subtle yet striking complexity. With an exceptionally nuanced script, terrific realism and relevance, the film engross you completely! And by relevance, one must keep in mind the recent spate of honour killings (murders) in the city, where father of a woman killed her husband or the episode where the father didn’t hesitate to kill his daughter because she married a man of a different caste and profession. Right from the beginning director Mari Selvaraj gives you a hint that this film will hard-hitting drama that shines light  on the caste-based discrimination. And there isn’t a bit of peachiness to it, neither does it carry its message on its sleeve endorsing it.

If a film highlights the story of caste politics, then it is bound to show scenes where the dominant group, shame and display violence on the oppressed. This film too is no different. There is plenty of humiliation, sly remarks, and violence our protagonist goes through. The consequence of simply growing close Jo cost him so much that after getting beaten, her brother even pees on him. This cruel act shocks you, makes you uncomfortable. And the way it is staged will simply have you at the squirming.

The film has many such scenes that make you feel a gush of emotions. For instance, there is a scene where Perumal walks shyly into the wedding hall. His apprehension and approach to the scene is terrific, that you travel through the character, assuming that there is trouble around the corner for the harmless boy. Another scene, Perumal decides to approach his father when the college principal asks him to do so, to raise a complaint against his behavior. Till then, all we know about his father, descriptively is that he looks hefty, has a strong personality and his hot-headed. In another scene, he hesitates to speak about his father. He and the film, later show us his father’s real character. He is a shy folk-dancer, who dresses like a drag queen and has effeminate features. I was holding back my tears and feeling heavy with emotions when this character added weight to the story. What an original and applaud-worthy character to feature in a film like this. This shows the director’s novelty and approach to his film.

Despite all the troubles he undergoes, Perumal decides to fight back by confronting to his enemies. He really comes into his own. And Kathir adds life to this solid character. I especially liked his subtle, yet confident performance towards the climax, and his terrific act in this fearless film! I also liked the inclusion of the assassin, whose character is similar to that of the assassin who featured in the Bollywood film Kahaani.

What makes the film feel a tad-bit incomplete is why the college doesn’t take action on the rowdies? The way the teachers treat Perumal is a harsh way or a very kind way is also puzzling.

Actress Anandhi’s chirpy voice and innocence she brings to the role works well for the theme of the film, but at times it does feel a like a child is in the frame (maybe it’s the dubbing). Yogi Babu adds the perfect comic relief and fits the role of a supporting artist well. Music director Santosh Narayanan’s tunes enhance the scenes in the film so well.

Director Mari Selvaraj makes a brilliant debut with Pariyerum Perumal; he is one filmmaker to watch out for as his debut, is the best films of this year, yet.