Desiya Geetham

Desiya Geetham is a remarkable Tamil drama film released in 1998 that explores diverse social and political issues prevailing in Indian society. This movie is directed by Cheran who is also one of the lead cast members, and features other prominent actors like Anandraj and G R Hari. The compelling narrative and stellar performances from the cast weave together to make Desiya Geetham an endearing tale that pulls at the heartstrings of the audience.

The movie takes off from the perspective of Manimaran (Cheran), a local print journalist who works diligently to uphold public interest by exposing corrupt practices. His relentless pursuit of righteousness establishes him as the protagonist whose character combines empathy for the commoners with a spirited commitment to social justice. Anandraj supports him not just as a friend, but as a fellow warrior in the good fight against systemic corruption. G R Hari features as the antagonist, whose political manipulations and misuse of power define the main conflict in the plot.

The narrative lays out the harsh realities of rural India, where poverty-stricken people exhaust their vitality in their daily struggles. Their dreams are often trampled under the boots of highly influential politicians and bureaucrats who rule over them insensitively. However, their courage to stand up for their rights, driven by the words and actions of Manimaran, becomes the beacon of hope in these long, dark tunnels of despair.

Desiya Geetham masterfully moulds the socio-political theme into a heart-wrenching drama where every character stands for a symbol. Manimaran, with his steadfast ethics, embodies the voice of rebellion against malpractice. Anandraj’s character conveys the arduous journey from being ensnared in corruption to realizing the value of truth and justice. G R Hari's portrayal of a politician draws attention to the ugly contours of Indian politics and reflects the deep-rooted corruption in the system.

Visually, the movie brilliantly captures scenes of rural India, pain, and plight, thereby helping to arouse empathy within the audience. The expressive cinematography allows viewers to dive deep into the ethos of the story, grasping the variations of human emotions and relationships that connect the characters. The rural setup of the movie, with its raw simplicity and earthy hues, effectively sets a rustic backdrop to the movie's evocative theme.

In addition to the rich storyline and robust characters, the music direction by Deva adds another layer of resonance to the narrative. The songs in the movie, with their poignant lyrics and beautiful compositions, amplify the emotional quotient of various sequences, making the audience feel as if they were there. Each song is carefully crafted to echo the narrative's emotions and perfectly blends with the unfolding drama. The music serves not as mere fillers but as amplifiers to the narrative themes of the film.

Desiya Geetham is not just a movie; it is an honest representation of the socio-political crisis plaguing rural India. The movie doesn't shy away from portraying poverty, oppression, and corruption, but these grim realities are highlighted with a purpose — to evoke awareness in the viewers rather than distress. It nudges its audience to rethink their perspectives, to question what they see, and above all, kindle their sense of responsibility towards society.

The movie ends on a powerful note, keeping viewers hooked till the last frame. By the time the credits roll, distinctions between reel and real-life blur, and the audiences are forced to ask themselves some hard questions about their roles in society. Desiya Geetham, in essence, becomes a mirror reflecting the facets of society we often choose to overlook.

This film is an eloquent narrative that will touch every viewer deeply - a testament to the movie-making prowess of its creator Cheran. It remains a thought-provoking social drama that leaves an indubitable mark on Tamil cinema. By rekindling the audience's sense of empathy and stimulating critical thought, Desiya Geetham transcendentally bridges the gulf between cinema and reality, sublimely answering to its literal meaning – 'National Song'.