Paruthiveeran

Paruthiveeran is a Tamil language drama-movie that was released in 2007, directed by the celebrated director Ameer Sultan and produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja. The film features Karthi, in his debut role, and Priyamani in the lead, while Saravanan, Ganja Karuppu, and Sujatha Sivakumar appear in supporting roles. G.V. Prakash Kumar, a notorious figure in the Tamil Industry, composed the music for the film while the cinematography was handled by Ramji and editing done by Raja Mohammad.

This film is set in the rustic rural landscape of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a backdrop of village centric story-telling that stays true to its origins. Paruthiveeran implements a narrative mode not commonly seen in Tamil cinema, which is the use of narration by the main character. The movie takes you on a journey to the heart of the grim realities and hordes that envelope the raw tribal and rustic lifestyle of people from the particular region.

An unveiling look into an unconventional love story, Paruthiveeran's plot revolves around the passionate and obsessive love of the protagonist, Paruthiveeran, played by Karthi, for his cousin Muthazhagu, played by Priyamani. Paruthiveeran is a reckless but lovable rogue who has a devil-may-care attitude towards life and its challenges. His character has been predominantly shaped by experiences, a traumatic childhood, and unstable upbringing.

Muthazhagu, on the other hand, is a simple girl who dreams of marrying her beloved cousin since childhood. Her character is deeply entrenched in the unquenching love for Paruthiveeran. Despite the stark differences between their personalities and lifestyles, Muthazhagu's love never wavers. The narrative beautifully captures this ticking time bomb of a love story that is torn between societal expectation, crime, and personal desire.

Saravanan, another powerful character of this movie, plays a pivotal role filled with exciting twists and turns that further ignites the unfolding drama. He is shown as the uncle of Paruthiveeran who never leaves any chance to show his superiority and dominance.

The film's lush cinematography captures the splendor of the village in all its rustic glory, truly serving as a visually compelling aesthetic in the film itself. Raw, earthy, and unfiltered scenes captured in the director's lens paints a vivid picture, making the audience experience life in these regions vicariously.

The music by G. V. Prakash Kumar plays a principal role in setting the ambiance in the movie. His array of folk songs and melody fits into the film as a fundamental essence captured in a bottle. The intricate choreography of songs and the ear-catching background scores highlight the various emotional waves in the movie and adds another layer to the storytelling.

Casting proved to be one of the movie’s strengths. Karthi's debut take as a lead and Priyamani’s realistic portrayal of her character earned them massive accolades. Priyamani's performance was so powerful that she won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress for this role.

Paruthiveeran pushes the unseen, unspoken, and uncomfortable truth of caste system, honor killing, and the brutal violence associated with it to the forefront. Although it's a love story at heart, the disturbing underbelly of rustic life, societal norms, and honor above all else is unmasked with brutal honesty through strong narration and compelling performances.

The film has been widely appreciated for its rawness, fierce storytelling, and brilliant acting, winning numerous awards nationally and internationally. Despite having a seemingly 'been-there-done-that' theme, Paruthiveeran stands apart because of the realistic approach, the potent storyline that blows life into its characters, and a performance that is hard to forget.

In conclusion, Paruthiveeran is an intense narrative of love, passion, and societal struggle that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer. It is a movie that emphasises the potency of unfiltered storytelling, laying bare those facets of social norms and attitudes, which are painful and disquieting but integral parts of society. With unforgettable performances and an impactful storyline, it is a movie that should not be missed!