Anjathey

Anjathey, a Tamil action drama film directed by Myshkin, is a bold narrative that delves into the lives of two good friends, Sathyavan (Narain) and Kiruba (Prasanna), who find themselves on the opposite sides of the law. Heartwarming in its depiction of friendship, riveting in its suspense, and thought-provoking in its exploration of justice, Anjathey is a gripping tale set in the urban underbelly of Chennai, India.

Central to the story are the lead characters, Sathyavan and Kiruba, both sons of police officers but with wildly different perspectives about the police force. Sathyavan, named after a legendary hero, is inherently brave and wants to be a police officer. He believes in law enforcement and sees it as an honor to follow in his father's footsteps. However, his impulsive nature often lands him into trouble.

On the other hand, Kiruba dreams of opening a computer centre but is vehemently opposed to the idea of joining the police force like his father. However, a single event changes the course of his life. Ajmal Ameer plays the role of an antagonist, who manifests as the swirling storm that upturns the lives of the duo. This sudden turn of events leads to a dramatic shift in their taken-for-granted friendship, choices, and life paths.

Anjathey is not just about the two strong-willed friends-turned-rivals. It’s layered with a palette of secondary characters, each contributing significantly to the storyline. These include a bunch of small-time thieves, their hopeless but optimistic leader, the terrified locals, and the police team led by an adamant inspector.

Vijayalakshmi, the female lead, brilliantly portrays the role of a strong-willed woman who manages to break free from the shackles of stereotypical depiction of women in Tamil cinema. Her character adds depth and emotional nuance to the script. Particularly remarkable is the love subplot involving her character, which is portrayed sensitively and without derailing the main narrative.

Myshkin's filmmaking is engaging and edgy, laced effectively with elements of realism. The cinematography of Mahesh Muthuswamy deserves special mention for brilliantly capturing the raw dynamics of urban settlements and the nooks and corners of a breathing city, peppered with stunning shots that leave you mesmerized.

The movie takes its time to settle into its rhythms, gradually drawing the viewer into its well-built world and interesting characters. Myshkin masterfully handles the narrative, enthralling the viewer with unexpected twists and turns, building an atmosphere of suspense and curiosity subtly.

The music by Sundar C Babu elevates the narrative. The background score and the songs blend in effortlessly, and add to the overall gritty and realistic theme of the film. A couple of songs have been set to traditional Tamil folk tunes, showcasing the culture and lifestyle of its characters.

Anjathey has received critical acclaim for its story, performances and technicalities - evidence of the sheer brilliance that Myshkin offers. Despite being a crime drama, the director has ensured it is not limited to a specific genre by infusing the film with compelling elements of action, suspense, emotions, and even humour.

In conclusion, Anjathey is a unique cinematic experience that is both, thought-provoking and intense. The well-etched characters, engaging performances, and a powerful narrative make it one of a kind. The film offers a compelling view of friendship, ambition, and the concept of justice. All in all, it's a roller-coaster of emotions featuring some of the best performances by a stellar cast, intertwined with a hard-hitting storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of quality cinema.