Manithan

Manithan (2016) is an Indian, Tamil language film starring Udhayanidhi Stalin, Prakash Raj, and Hansika Motwani. It was directed by I. Ahmed and is a remake of the Hindi film Jolly LLB (2013). While the film primarily falls under the genres of Drama and Comedy, it succinctly dabbles into the realm of legal crime.

The lead character of the film, Sakthi (played by Udhayanidhi Stalin) is a struggling lawyer from a small town who moves to the city of Chennai with the ambition of making it big. Sakthi is the quintessential small-town dreamer, packed with optimism and determination. His character beautifully evolves throughout the movie under the duress of a professional and life-altering crisis.

The movie charms the viewer straight off the bat with earthy humor and rustic charm typical of the small-town setting. The character dynamic between Sakthi and Priya (played by Hansika Motwani), a school teacher who is also Sakthi’s love interest adds an emotional flavor to the narrative.

Things take a serious turn when Sakthi decides to take up a hit-and-run case that no other lawyer is willing to touch, owing to the involvement of rich and powerful individuals. This forms the crux of the storyline, setting the stage for an intense court drama. A fierce battle of wits and ethics is unleashed, as Sakthi battles against the haughty, seasoned lawyer Aadhi (played by Prakash Raj), who represents the influential culprits.

The film raises poignant questions about justice, power, and corruption. It justly criticizes the dichotomy of Indian society, where laws bend in favor of the rich and powerful. It showcases the evocative struggle of the underdog with a sense of humor and satire. Sakthi’s metamorphosis from a rookie to a conscientious legal practitioner resonates strongly with the viewers.

Manithan hinges on superb performances by its talented cast. Udhayanidhi Stalin is remarkable as Sakthi, portraying his character's vulnerability, fear, anger, and eventual empowerment with authenticity. He effortlessly connects the audience with the emotional spectrum of his character.

Hansika Motwani as Priya perfectly complements Sakthi's character. Her portrayal of a strong, independent woman who supports Sakthi in his journey from an underconfident lawyer to a valiant human rights defender is commendable. The chemistry between Udhayanidhi Stalin and Hansika Motwani brings in a dash of romance, without overshadowing the main narrative.

Prakash Raj as Aadhi, delivers a power-packed performance. His portrayal of a haughty, unscrupulous lawyer adds a necessary antagonistic edge to the storyline. His courtroom confrontations with Sakthi display a compelling mix of wit, intelligence, and intensity.

Director I. Ahmed has woven a compelling narrative, brilliantly balancing the humor, suspense, and poignancy. The director successfully creates a relatable drama that entertains but also helps reflect on the larger societal issues.

Santhosh Narayanan’s background score enhances the intensity of key emotional scenes and the vibrancy of lighter moments. The cinematography, art direction, and editing further aid in cementing the film’s engaging narrative.

Manithan is a film of hope, resilience, and ethics. It's an engaging film that blends humor, societal criticism, an intense legal battle, and subtle romance seamlessly. It's a tale that will strike a chord with anyone who hopes for an unbiased legal system, where the righteous aren't stifled by the powerful. It's a drama that offers suspense, evokes thought, and is worth watching for its performances alone. So, if you're a fan of court dramas, Manithan might just be worth your while.