Jigarthanda

Jigarthanda, a 2014 Indian Tamil-language gangster-black comedy film, was helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, acclaimed for his knack in churning out unconventional narratives that test the traditional paradigms of Tamil cinema. Siddharth, in a bid to diversify his creative repertoire, powerfully steps into the shoes of Karthik, an aspiring filmmaker with dreams as big as his heart, while Bobby Simha, who had only been seen playing bit-roles until then, takes on the role of - “Assault Sethu”, a character opposed to Siddharth's character. With Lakshmi Menon supplementing the lead pair with an impeccable act, the movie thus becomes a delightful display of talent worth watching.

The movie’s intelligent cinematic twist to the classic tale of good versus evil is something that cannot be easily overlooked. It’s not the mundane story of how heroes conquer villains. Centred around Karthik Subramani (Siddharth), an impassioned filmmaker, the story begins with his struggle to make his second big break in the film fraternity. His opportunity presents itself in the format of a reality show where he's asked to direct a gangster film using a real-life gangster. This leads him to Assault Sethu (Bobby Simha), the terror in Madurai. He attempts the precarious mission of capturing the dark and menacing disposition of Sethu's existence, clandestinely. This forms the crux of the narrative, with sequences filled with laughter, pathos and thrill blended into the storyline.

While terror may be considered an emotion, Jigarthanda treats it as a character. The film presents fear in multiple layers, from the larger picture of Sethu's omnipresent terror over Madurai to the underlying fear of death in the everyday lives of the people who inhabit the city. The film cleverly intertwines this with dark comedy, making for a witty narrative that keeps you engaged throughout its runtime.

Subbaraj brilliantly flips conventional tropes on their head, showing the brutality of being human rather than the softness. The audience is given a peek into the world of gangsters and criminals. It explores the bitter reality where gritty power dynamics and loyalties reside, which are far removed from the morally upright world that many Tamil films present. Time and again, the movie reiterates that "In every one of us, there's a sethu waiting to come out".

Bobby Simha's portrayal of Assault Sethu is a standout performance. He chews up the screen with his charisma and impeccable delivery of the Madurai dialect. His character assault Sethu, is a gangster with not just strength and fearlessness, but also a man of sensitive emotions. Siddharth as Karthik delivers a sincere performance, his acting shifts from being a hopeful film director to a man spiralling down the vortex of life and death are commendable.

Lakshmi Menon as Kayal, Sethu’s love interest, is the picture of innocence and naivete, her chemistry with Bobby Simha is beautifully captured and adds an extra dimension to the story. The way a love story unfolds amidst the grim reality of the gangster realm showcases yet another dexterity of Subbaraj's direction.

Astonishing cinematography and compelling background score are two key technical aspects of ‘Jigarthanda’. Gavemic U Ary’s cinematography sets the tone and mood of the film, and the Madurai setting is captured in all its rustic glory. It's the lens through which we see the contrast of the tender love story and the lurking menace. The music by Santhosh Narayanan is incredibly thrilling and heightens the drama throughout the film.

Labelled as a musical gangster flick, Jigarthanda, is truly a kind of its own and pushes the envelope of what can be achieved in the crime genre. The movie offers a sharp social commentary running parallel to its storyline - one that highlights the thin veneer of civility separating the ordinary man and the hardened criminal. It rummages through the layers of conflicts, reversals and transformations of its characters offering a texture that’s rarely seen in Tamil cinema. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that takes you for a whirl, making you laugh one moment and grip your seat the next. It’s unconventional, it’s clever, and it’s a movie that will linger with you, long after the credits have rolled.