Aruvam

Aruvam is a 2019 Indian Tamil language film directed by Sai Sekhar. The film stars the talented duo of Siddharth and Catherine Tresa in the lead roles, along with well-recognized actors like Kabir Duhan Singh and Sathish in pivotal roles. The movie is produced by R. Ravindran under the banner Trident Arts. Aruvam is described as an intriguing blend of action, horror, and social justice themes, bringing a fresh perspective to Tamil cinema.

The film flaunts an intriguing storyline revolving around a socially conscious school teacher named Jyothi, portrayed by Catherine Tresa, who is visually impaired. Riddled with the desire to bring equality amongst her students, she strongly abhors the social prejudice of differentiating children based on their socioeconomic status. Her character is sketched with deep empathy and determination, and Catherine’s performance beautifully adds depth to it.

On the other hand, Siddharth plays the character of a food safety officer named Jagan. He is shown fearlessly battling against the prevalent food adulteration and the challenges that come his way. Siddharth has previously proven his worth in versatile roles, and this fearless officer's role provides him with another opportunity to garner appreciation.

Premier antagonist Kabir Duhan Singh also contributes significantly to the primary plot structure, boosting the suspense factor of the movie. He plays the character of a ruthless businessman indulged in illegal activities and cross paths with our protagonist. With the right balance of menacing and cunning traits, Kabir has indeed portrayed a perfectly antagonizing character in Aruvam.

The storyline of the film delivers immense unpredictability, making its audience yearn for the unexpected twists about to be unfolded. From paranormal activities, a fight against corruption, to the uncovering of secrets from the past, Aruvam engulfs an array of compelling plots within its fabric. The audience is kept engaged and on edge- anticipating every subsequent scene with much curiosity.

Moreover, the film is not purely an entertaining thriller but is also weaved with social messages about food adulteration - a significant theme in the film. It sheds light on a severe societal issue that is often neglected. The director has skillfully integrated this grave issue into the gripping plot, which hits hard and evokes a sense of awareness about the severity of food safety perils in modern society.

An integral aspect of any intense, thrilling movie is its music, and Aruvam is no exception. The musical score, crafted by the legendary S. Thaman, sets the tone and mood of the film. The music is driving and eloquently complements the genre of the film. From the spine-chilling background score in intense scenes to soulful melodies in softer ones, Thaman's music adds an accentuating effect to the scenes.

Moreover, cinematographer Ekambaram captures various moods of the movie perfectly, enhancing the visual appeal of the film. The smooth transitioning shots encapsulate the essence of the story, making the visuals almost as entrancing as the plot itself.

However, Aruvam is not a movie devoid of criticism. Viewers have noted that the movie, although fused with interesting elements, sometimes slips into predictability, thereby losing some of its suspenseful charm. While the film begins with a gripping start, some viewers felt the narrative becomes a bit prolonged and loses momentum towards the second half.

Though Director Sai Sekhar's storytelling could have been crisper, Aruvam's distinct premise is to be appreciated, especially the unconventional blend of genres. It is indeed that rarity in Tamil cinema - a socially-relevant horror thriller.

In conclusion, Aruvam is a blend of suspense, horror, and social themes, making it a unique addition to the cinematic universe of Tamil films. With arresting performances by Siddharth, Catherine Tresa, and Kabir Duhan Singh, it keeps its audience captivated. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate an unconventional mix of genres and the thrills that come with them.