Isai

Released in 2015, Isai is a captivating South Indian film featuring the talents of S.J. Suryah, Sathyaraj, and Sulagna Panigrahi. The film was written, directed, and co-produced by S.J. Suryah himself, who also played the lead role. This ground-breaking film explores the intricacies of the music industry, rivalry, love, and obsession, all backed by a power-packed storyline and exceptional performances. Isai is a film that leaves behind a stronger impact on its audience, due to the comments it makes on the music industry and its fitting combination of drama and thriller.

Filmed in the Tamil language, Isai presents the rise of a young, ambitious music composer named Siva (played by S.J. Suryah). The film beautifully portrays Siva's journey from anonymity to fame by displaying his extraordinary grasp of music, his unique artistic prowess, and the struggles he faces due to external socio-political factors. It provides viewers with a realistic illustration of the complexities and challenges faced by artists who are vying for recognition and success in a cut-throat industry. Siva's character is etched with an underdog spirit that resonates with any young struggler in any industry, making the film a broader commentary on the pursuit of passion.

Sathyaraj, a veteran actor recognized for his charismatic style, plays the role of Vetriselvan, a senior music director in the film industry who enjoys immense power and popularity. His character provides a stark contrast to Siva’s, as Vetriselvan is on the precipice of losing his long-held supremacy in the industry. He becomes an obstacle to Siva’s rise, and thus a conflict erupts between the two characters, setting up a riveting narrative conflict that engages viewers till the end.

Sulagna Panigrahi masterfully enacts the love interest, Jenny. She adds a breath of fresh air to the intense storyline with her lively and innocent demeanor. Her love interest in the young music composer adds another layer to the complex relationship between Siva and Vetriselvan, involving love, jealousy, and rivalry, that makes the film even more interesting.

The brilliant music score, encompassing 20 tracks incorporating different music genres and moods, is one of the core strengths of Isai. It does not only enhance the storytelling but also acts as a standalone highlight. Each track perfectly encapsulates the given situation and adds a meaningful depth to it. S.J. Suryah himself has composed the music, thereby enhancing the film's authenticity and making it a memorable experience for the audience.

Isai is not limited to drama and rivalry; it takes a mysterious turn that keeps the viewers intrigued throughout. The narrative manages to deliver thrilling moments that are quite unexpected but not unwelcome. These twists and turns amplify the intensity of the film and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film's cinematography and strong screenplay skillfully capture both the grueling struggle for success and the glitz and glamor of the music industry. The camera maneuvers through grand sets, bustling crowds, intense confrontations and quiet, introspective moments, thereby aiding in transferring a beautifully rich narrative onto the big screen. The visual elements of the film further go hand in hand with the gripping narrative, making it a must-watch.

Production value is another feather in Isai's cap. From the casting to the set design and execution, you can see a meticulous attention to detail. The performances across the board are commendable, with each actor imbuing their respective characters with a unique personality.

Isai, at its core, is a music industry narrative infused with drama, romance, and mystery. However, it also throws light on the struggle of artists, hierarchy in professional fields, and highlights the old versus new battle. Among its many strong attributes, the compelling performances, intricate storyline, and striking musical score make it a film that you won't soon forget. It seduces the audience into a journey of ambition and rivalry, making sure that they are left captivated until the very end.