Irumbu Manithan

Irumbu Manithan is a Tamil language drama film released in February 2020, boasting of a unique storyline with a potent social message at its core. Directed by Disney, the movie shines in its major objective of showcasing the societal prejudices and the insensitivity meted towards the less privileged. Disney approaches this subject with a direct, sincere tone, managing to stir the conscience of the viewers effectively.

Leading the cast, we have Santhosh Prathap in the role of Santhosh - an iron scrap collector with a heart of gold. This movie was a testament to his talent, convincing in his portrayal of this very unusual protagonist, faced with harsh realities, surrounded by avaricious and cold-hearted individuals who do not understand his noble aspirations. His engaging performance, laden with emotional depth and innate sensitivity, carries the narrative forward and keeps the audience hooked.

'Ganja' Karuppu, known for his diverse roles in Tamil cinema, plays a supporting role, showcasing his acting versatility in projecting a character that is far from the ones he usually portrays. He adds an adept blend of gravity and subtlety to his character, perfectly merging into the narrative's fabric.

Also featuring in the movie is Madhusudhana Rao, who shows up in a handful of scenes. However, his impactful acting manages to breathe life into his character, making each of his appearances memorable. Madhusudhana Rao's calibrated performance adds the right dose of intensity required for the movie.

The movie starts with Santhosh, living in the dingy streets of Chennai and working as an iron scrap collector. Despite his humble and tough living circumstances, he harbours a dream - a dream of feeding the impoverished and hungry in the city. His altruistic aim is often ridiculed by the self-absorbed society he lives within, which is more concerned with petty profits than forward-thinking social aid. Even the antagonist, who happens to be a powerful corporation, is primarily driven by monetary gains.

The movie paints a humane tale of Santhosh's struggles and the societal obstacles he faces as he fights earnestly to make his dream a reality. The narrative is a delicate blend of raw street-life, human emotions, friendships, love, and the dominant theme of overcoming systemic societal hurdles. As the story evolves, it deals more intensely with the class divide, stale societal mindsets, poverty, corporate greed, and the political nexus. Yet, underpinning every setback, every triumph, every character arc, is the theme of humanity and compassion.

Irumbu Manithan's screenplay is undoubtedly its strongest suit, seamlessly traversing through reality and ideals, ground-level concerns and individual dreams. Director Disney has remained true to the core of the movie - humanity and compassion - ensuring it is felt throughout every moment of the film.

The movie's technical aspects are noteworthy as well. With crisp cinematography and carefully chosen locations, the movie artistically captures the rough edges and raw beauty of the streets of Chennai. The background score by K.S.Manjith supports the screenplay appropriately, significantly contributing to the film's emotional quotient. Each song is carefully incorporated into the narrative, adding an extra layer to the emotional depth of the movie.

In summary, Irumbu Manithan is a cinematic masterpiece that confronts societal prejudices while displaying an engaging narrative laden with striking performances. It shatters the clichés of conventional film-making to present a raw, unfiltered view of societal realities. It also acts as a mirror, compelling us to question our individual sense of compassion and notions of humanity towards the less privileged. Santhosh Prathap, 'Ganja' Karuppu, and Madhusudhana Rao sincerely embody their characters and infuse life into them, making the movie an engaging experience. All in all, Irumbu Manithan is a compelling watch that leaves a significant impact long after the credits roll.