Oru Naal Iravil

Oru Naal Iravil, released in 2015, is a gripping Tamil language thriller directed by renowned film editor, Anthony. The film features seasoned actor Sathyaraj, who dons the role of a strict, disciplinarian father with a heartful of love that's well hidden beneath the mask of his stern demeanor. Accompanied by Yugi Sethu and Varun Kamal, Sathyaraj's powerful performance and the ensemble cast perform brilliantly to paint a vivid picture of characters intertwined in a tightly-knit plot.

The movie introduces us to Sathyaraj as 'Sekar', a construction businessman in his late 50s, living in Chennai. His life revolves around his business and his only daughter, who he hopes to give a flourishing life. Sekar's deep-rooted conservative values often bring him head-to-head with the new-age city life and its associated lifestyle. But still, he remains rooted in his belief system, as clumsy and unadaptable as it may seem to his daughter and his urban surroundings. This forms the initial premise of the movie, sketching the profile of Sekar in the crude, urban landscape of Chennai city.

Sekar adheres to a no-nonsense attitude and is strict about rules and discipline. He has a set of principles he lives by, almost rigorously, and expects the world around him to do the same. When he finds that his daughter, the apple of his eye, is not living according to his principles, he is heartbroken, and this messes with the orderly life he is comfortable with.

One of the hallmarks of Oru Naal Iravil is its heightened suspense built around a series of unexpected events that take place within a single night. With Sekar at the center, a night that starts as an occasion to attend a friend's party quickly turns into a chaotic chase against time, involving a series of confounding events surrounding an unknown woman and a taxi. He, then, sets out on a mission that nobody would've anticipated, causing a significant shift in the plot.

The movie meticulously captures Sekar's transformation from a traditional, austere, and hardlined individual into a compassionate, cognizant, and brooding father. It's a heartfelt journey that not only tests his morality but also shapes his guiding principles about life and family.

Varun Kamal, a promising talent, plays his part impressively as a young, naive taxi driver who unintentionally becomes a part of Sekar's ordeal. Yugi Sethu, meanwhile, provides much needed comic relief to this otherwise intense story. Both actors complement Sathyaraj, adding layers to the storyline and creating a stirring visual experience.

Director Anthony’s adept storytelling skills reflected through his sharp edits, waste no time in establishing the characters, their predicaments, and the ensuing drama, thus keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The suspense is steadily built and maintained throughout the flick, balancing the thrill perfectly between the moments of crisis and relief.

The film also lets the audience explore the vibrant nightlife of Chennai. You get to feel the pulse and the pace of the city after dusk, with its various elements blending seamlessly into Sekar’s fateful night journey.

Oru Naal Iravil, in conclusion, is a powerful drama that explores human values and relationships. It lets its audience dive into the depths of a father's psyche as he navigates through a tumultuous night marked with strange encounters and tough choices. It's a story that touches upon the generation gap, norms, expectations, and eventually love that binds families together.

The movie is a tightrope walk between suspense, emotion, and, morality played out on the vibrant canvas of Chennai, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. With a gripping narrative and authentic performances, Oru Naal Iravil proves to be a compelling watch, underlining the everyday life of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.