Aarohanam

Aarohanam (2012) is a brilliant piece of Indian cinema directed by actor-turned-director, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan. The film's title, borrowed from a classical Indian music term that means, ‘ascending order,’ is the first indication that the audience is about to witness an emotional journey that gradually builds in intensity and complexity. It stars a phenomenal cast including Viji Chandrasekhar, G. Marimuthu, and Jai Quehaeni, who collectively carry the film's narrative with their powerful, deeply affecting performances.

In the heart of Tamil cinema’s ever evolving diversity, Aarohanam stands out as a poignant and essential exploration of the human condition. Its story-minute detail, showcasing a single day in the life of a family from a lower-middle class segment of Indian society, reflects on the socioeconomic layers and offers a deep dive into a multitude of emotions – love, hope, despair, joy, fear, and redemption. It homes in on the universal themes of familial relationships, personal struggles, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The movie utilises drama and humour to express an authentic slice of life, showing that sometimes reality is stranger, and more complex, than fiction. The central character, portrayed by powerhouse performer Viji Chandrasekhar, is a mother with bipolar disorder. Her absence from home for a single day exposes cracks within the family, unleashing a frenzy of unforeseen events and revelations that have their own significance.

But crucially, Aarohanam does more than subject us to a bleak situation; it paints a poignant picture, shedding light on mental illness through a lens devoid of sensationalism or stereotyping. The film elevates the disorder from mere affliction, painting a nuanced portrait of the mother – someone who is more than her illness, who is resilient, hopeful, caring, and ultimately human.

G. Marimuthu and Jai Quehaeni, amongst other cast members, enrich the narrative with their stellar performances. Each character is sketched out in vivid detail, with their flaws and virtues making them distinctive and relatable. As events progress, their individual stories open up a larger social canvas, thereby capturing the essence of a community with realistic finesse. Devoid of usual dramatic clichés, Aarohanam manages to strike a delicate balance between realism and cinematic aesthetics.

The film also delves into the importance of food in our lives through symbolic narratives. Food becomes a character in itself, a central theme that weaves together narratives, drawing out emotions, and shaping destinies. Ingredients that are taken for granted in the general hustle-bustle all of a sudden reveal their sheer significance in our lives. This culinary connection isn't used as mere backdrops but plays a relevant role in advancing the storyline, again reflecting Lakshmy Ramakrishnan's signature innovative storytelling style.

The backdrop of Chennai city beautifully captured through the lens adds depth to the narrative. The soundtrack resonates with the emotional contours of the movie, reflecting the ups and downs of life. The subtle music and background score, mostly classical Indian ragas, perfectly accentuate the atmosphere and mood.

Aarohanam remains refreshingly devoid of showy melodrama or facile resolution, thereby creating spaces for conversing about mental health, family, societal and class issues, and individual journeys. It shows care in dealing with subjects that are usually misrepresented, urging us to witness, empathise, and, perhaps, understand a perspective that isn't commonly explored in Tamil cinema.

In summary, the 2012 movie Aarohanam is a must-watch for viewers seeking an authentic, thought-provoking, and heart-warming cinematic experience. The film’s triumph lies in its simplicity and the resonance of its characters, drawing audiences into a world that reflects both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. From its performances, direction, narrative, to its nuanced storytelling, Aarohanam remains an underappreciated gem that offers a fresh and profound perspective on life.