Anbirkiniyal

Anbirkiniyal, released in 2021, is a riveting Tamil-language survival thriller film starring Keerthi Pandian, Md Aalam, and Azaz Ahmed. While based on a South Korean film called 'Missing,' it stands its ground with its unique interpretation and context, set within Indian socio-cultural nuances.

The plot unwinds around Anbirkiniyal, fondly known as Anbu (Keerthi Pandian), a young, courageous, and vivacious woman who adores her doting father Arul (Arun Pandian). As an IAS aspirant, Anbu juggles between her intense preparation for the competitive examination and part-time work at a fast-food joint. Her life story is representative of the entire gamut of modern youth who toil incessantly, balancing dreams and reality, work and aspirations, personal life and professional commitments.

Arun Pandian's character Arul, a compassionate, hard-working, lower-middle-class man, takes center stage as Anbu's adoring father and confidante. His portrayal as the concerned father who doesn't shirk even from resorting to stern measures out of concern for his daughter's welfare, shines through the film's narrative. His character also thriftily manifests the struggles and sacrifices that parents go through in nurturing their progeny in today's challenging times.

Amid the drama and thrill that drives the plot, there is also a sprinkle of romance. Charles (Deniel Balaji), a charming young man, crosses paths with Anbu, bringing in light moments of love, tenderness, and youthful exuberance. Their love story is beautifully interwoven with the main narrative, adding depth to the overall storyline.

As a survival thriller, Anbirkiniyal has enough twists and turns that add to the intrigue and excitement. Engaging sequences, crafted meticulously, definitely ratchet up the suspense as Anbu grapples with trials and tribulations in her life. The film oscillates between high drama, nerve-wracking tension, and emotional catharsis, ruling out any monotony.

The real strength of Anbirkiniyal lies in its execution. Director Gokul ensures that every scene is infused with enough emotional heft without making it melodramatic or preachy. The mise-en-scene and visual aesthetics of the film also aptly capture the subtlety of his storytelling. Notably, the diverse aspects of everyday urban life, portrayed vividly, create a relatable tapestry against which this thrilling survival drama unfolds.

Keerthi Pandian, as the title character, delivers a commanding performance. Natural yet powerful, her portrayal of Anbirkiniyal keeps the audience appreciating her on-screen presence, charm and mettle. Her character's strength and vulnerability is well articulated through her nuanced performance. Arun Pandian too gives a memorable performance as a concerned single father, his character's depth and range further adding to the movie's impact. Deniel Balaji too impresses with his portrayal, lending an endearing flavor to their romance.

Anbirkiniyal also explores deeper and pertinent themes like the bond between a father and daughter and the dreams and challenges of the youth. The storyline is also an ode to the resilience and strength of women, a fairly progressive take that goes beyond the conventional narrative in mainstream cinema.

A special mention is deserving for Javed Riaz's music that compliments the narrative beautifully. The evocative score adds an extra layer of depth for the film, effectively adding to the building tension and suspense. The music not only sets the mood but also binds all the elements of the film together.

Overall, the movie Anbirkiniyal manages to strike a balance between being a gripping survival thriller and a poetic narration of human resilience and relationships. It tugs at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. The brilliant performances, proficient direction and an emotionally resonant narrative — all contribute towards making Anbirkiniyal a memorable cinematic experience.