Kadikara Manithargal

Kadikara Manithargal, directed by Vaigarai Balan and starring Kishore and Latha Rao, is a gripping and poignant Indian Tamil-language drama released in 2018. The film elegantly weaves together a narrative full of genuine emotions, social commentary, and personal struggle, making it not only a riveting cinematic experience but also an enlightening one.

Kadikara Manithargal grips the viewer with its insightful depiction of some stark realities of urban life. Kishore, the protagonist, plays the character of Maran, a hardworking auto-rickshaw driver in Chennai city. Latha Rao is cast as his equally tenacious wife, Vaitheeswari. Their life is a picture of ordinary struggles and extraordinary resilience, reflecting the life of numerous working-class families in modern Indian cities.

Maran and Vaitheeswari are parents to three school-going children and their daily life revolve around finding a delicate balance between their meager earnings, provisions for the family, and the need for a secure and stable home. They are victims of unfortunate circumstances, forced to change rented houses frequently due to various reasons, a central theme that Archives various scenarios of black comedy and sarcasm in the movie. The recurring motif of the wall clock expands the dimensions of the story, establishing a symbolic connection with the title of the film, Kadikara Manithargal (Clock People).

The narrative brilliantly highlights the contrast between the family's constant battle against time and their unyielding spirit to survive. Maran's struggle to meet the demands of his landlords and the soaring prices of the metropolis is portrayed effectively, nudging the viewer to think about the dire situation of poor migrants in urban areas. His constancy in the face of adversity, coupled with his determination to keep his children rooted in the classrooms in spite of the harsh realities, is both inspiring and heart-rending.

Latha Rao, as Vaitheeswari, renders an authentic performance as a supportive wife and an anxious mother. Despite the family constantly being on the move, she tries to maintain normalcy for the children and provide a comfortable nest for them. Her role epitomizes the silent strength of women, who often bear the harshest brunt of societal inequalities and economic hardship, yet work tirelessly to hold their families together.

Kadikara Manithargal does not shy away from shining a light on the precarious nature of urban lower middle class life, a topic that is often unattended in mainstream cinema. Rendered with sensitivity and finesse, the movie opens a window onto the hardships due to housing problems faced by a significant number of urbanites, thereby creating a bond of empathy between the characters and the audience.

The lead actors embody their characters with commendable conviction. Kishore, with his realistic portrayal of an auto-rickshaw driver facing the brunt of life but wearing his heart on his sleeve, leaves a lasting impression. Latha Rao brings out the multiple facets of her character with ease, ably carrying the narrative forward.

The movie also boasts an assertive supporting cast that adds multiple layers to the story. The visually expressive cinematography brings the movie to life while the deeply affecting background score by Sam C.S adds extra depth to the movie. The director, Vaigarai Balan, deserves special mention for his ability to create a realistic yet resonant portrayal of urban life, which is accomplished without resorting to melodrama or diluting the reality of the situation.

Dealing with the serious issue of urban housing crisis, Kadikara Manithargal achieves a rare and impactful balance between storytelling and social commentary. The movie serves as a bitter reminder of the biting realities of life, while also illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in adversities. It is there to remind us of a side of life we may not be aware of, or have forgotten, adding a humane touch to those people whose lives are governed not by their wishes but by their circumstances.

In summary, Kadikara Manithargal is a story of grit, resilience, and the undying spirit of survival, a film that infuses realism into cinema in a compelling and emotive manner. The film isn't merely a piece of entertainment; it is an attempt to draw attention to the problems faced by the urban poor in their quest for a dignified life. The film above all is about the commitment to one’s family and finally, about time and the havoc it wreaks in the lives of the poor. The journey of Kadikara Manithargal is a journey into these doubled lives full of struggle, hope and forbearance.