Roobha

Roobha, a film directed by Lenin M. Sivam and starred by Jesuthasan Antonythasan, Amrit Sandhu, and Thenuka Kantharajah, is a beautifully told and profoundly heart-touching story from 2018, taking viewers on a journey that explores love, identity, tradition, and cultural boundaries in a truly unique way.

The film centers on the character of Roobha, a young and mesmerizing Tamil dancer who captivates viewers with her grace and charm. Roobha, played by Amrit Sandhu, is not a typical dancer but someone who challenges societal norms and expectations. She is a transgender woman who has found solace, empowerment, and expression through traditional Tamil dance, thus presenting a deep, compassionate exploration of transgender life that isn’t often depicted in mainstream media.

Jesuthasan Antonythasan plays the character of Anthony, a middle-aged, successful Tamil businessman with a family who becomes infatuated with Roobha. Anthony's life takes a turning point when he encounters Roobha, and their unusual bond forms the foundation of the movie. The relationship between Anthony and Roobha is compellingly complicated, crossing the boundaries of societal norms and cultural traditions and delicately touching on the themes of love and acceptance.

But this stringently woven tale is not merely a love story. It delves into deeper, more critical issues— identity struggles, societal roles, prejudice, and the human will to fight against the odds. With his storytelling, director Lenin M. Sivam strips bare the complexities of individuals grappling with their identities and striking a balance between societal judgment and personal fulfillment.

Alongside these predominant characters, Thenuka Kantharajah, who plays the role of Anthony’s wife, brings out the complexity of a woman struggling with her husband's changing behavior, thus weaving another layer of emotional complexity into the film.

"Roobha" is a true blending of art and life, presenting a stark portrait of love that transcends conventional boundaries. The performances by the lead actors, the heart-tugging emotions they portray, and the familial and societal drama that unfolds adds more depth to this moving narrative. Interestingly, the movie uses traditional Bharathanatyam dance as a striking narrative tool, intensifying the emotions in the film and enhancing its visual appeal.

The art of dance, particularly in the form of Bharathanatyam, plays a critical role in "Roobha". Dance, in this sense, is not merely a form of artistic expression but also a vessel for Roobha to communicate her deepest sentiments, her struggle, and her desire to be accepted for who she is. It's through this medium that Roobha finds a reprieve from the oppressive environment, carving out a place for herself where she can be free, expressive, and true to her identity.

Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. The beautiful cinematography captures the distinct essence of the Tamil community, showcasing their traditions, festivities, and the day-to-day life of the people with a fine eye for detail. The judicious use of light and color paints a vivid canvas that encapsulates the emotional tone of the movie.

At its heart, "Roobha" is an introspective piece of cinema about acceptance and love that does not shy away from depicting the bold and unconventional realities of human identities. It involves you deeply, makes you empathize with its characters, and compels you to contemplate the societal norms and prejudices that often tend to cloud humanitarian judgment. It encapsulates the struggles of acceptance, the defiance against prejudice, and the ultimate desire to live life authentically.

In conclusion, "Roobha" is not just a film; it is a poignant narrative that beautifully intertwines the elements of cultural tradition, love, identity, and societal norms into a moving cinematic experience. While the film subtly presents the complexities of love and identity within a society that clings to traditional norms, it also successfully evokes empathy for its distinct characters, showcasing their struggles and courage in their journey to acceptance.