Aame

Aame, directed by Rathna Kumar, is an audacious and gritty Tamil drama film from 2019. The film features a stellar cast including the talented actress Amala Paul in the lead role, supported by Ramya Subramanian, and Roju in commendable performances. Notably, the film reflects the unconventional genre blend of drama, suspense and surrealism, wrapped in an impacting narrative about overcoming fear and societal norms.

In Aame, Amala Paul portrays the prominent character of Kamini, a well-regarded media professional in Chennai. Kamini is appreciated in her circle for her spontaneous wit, liveliness, and brilliant professional competence, managing a regional television show. She is vibrant and enjoys her life to the fullest, always ready for conferred adventures. However, under this happy-go-lucky facade, she is also unconscious of the calamities that wait at the sidelines of her seemingly perfect life.

Without resorting to exposing visuals, the film hints at a thrilling spiral when Kamini finds herself mysteriously trapped in an abandoned building. She is caught in an unthinkable and gruesome situation, where she is stripped off her clothing and robbed of any communication or escape route. As the night progresses, so does the peril, escalating Kamini's predicament into a dreadful nightmare. The plot highlights the horror of an entrapped woman trapped within four walls of the grim setting, which switches to being her prison for the night.

Ramya Subramanian and Roju perform equally significant roles in the narrative that help develop the storyline and add more depth to it. Ramya delivers a compelling performance, fluctuating between the lines of reality and illusion. This movie is much more than a terrifying tale; it explores the pertinent theme of women's freedom and security in the contemporary world. It effectively reflects society's prejudices against women, their insecurity, sexuality, and the constant judgment they face being in leadership positions.

Aame, quite essentially, contrasts between the color floods of day-to-day reality and the stark monochrome of nightmare sequences, providing a thrilling visual experience. Each frame uncovering the eerie, peculiar, and at the same time, philosophical symbology and metaphors which are to be decoded by the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seats. Furthermore, the editing of the film has been accomplished proficiently, complementing the rapid plot alterations.

The storytelling embarked upon by director Rathna Kumar in the movie Aame is undeniably enticing. He takes the audience through various story sequences effectively sewed together. Right from showcasing the lively, radiant, and independent Kamini's everyday life, to the abruptly shifting narrative of her being trapped in a deserted building, he accurately manages to create the perfect blend of suspense and intrigue.

The film scores high on the intensity and the depth of the plot, rich performances by the leading actors, and its remarkable screenplay and direction. The cinematography is worth mentioning as it amplifies the intensity of the story with its bleak and desolate captures contrasting with vivid and lively shots. Moreover, the background score of the film by Pradeep Kumar is immensely impactful, adding to the eerie atmosphere and intensifying the suspenseful moments.

The film Aame, while being a gripping thriller, is also a symbolic representation of women's trials and tribulations. It defines a woman's struggle in terms of empowerment, identity, and confronting societal norms and pressures. The film throws light on the subject of 'body-shaming', bringing the issue to the fore and starting a much-needed conversation. The audience is taken on a journey with Kamini, participating in her fear, her struggle and her eventual salvation.

To conclude, Aame is not just a typical Tamil thriller, but a thought-provoking and hard-hitting narrative. It boasts a remarkable performance by Amala Paul, who carries the intensity of the story on her shoulders and dazzles on screen. It is an empowering film, that breaks stereotypes and brings forth important discussions. Aame is raw, real, and a compelling watch for those in search of chilling suspense embedded with a robust societal message.