Roudram

Roudram is an enthralling drama-action movie released in 2011, starring Jiiva, Shriya Saran, and V. Jayaprakash. The film is a rollercoaster ride of action, suspense, emotion, and personal struggles that revolve around the complex maze of vested interests and power structures in the Indian social and political sphere. Roudram is a fitting title for the movie as it means "anger" or "fury" in English, an expression quite prevalent throughout the film due to the various paths that the characters are forced to trod by the encounters and events they face.

Directed by Gokul, the movie reflects many of the realities of Indian society coated with the charm of typical Indian cinema. From corruption entrenched deeply into the administration's fabric, to the contentious relationship between citizens and authority figures, Roudram ensures that it touches upon the friction points that embody the Indian social and political conditions.

Jiiva plays the lead role as Karti, an unassuming young man who lives a simple life in a metro city with his parents and sister. Trained in martial arts from a young age, his character encompasses the essence of humility and strength, having an instinct for helping people around him combined with a robust sense of justice.

Shriya Saran plays the love interest of the Jiiva’s character, Karti, which makes for several light-hearted moments and songs that refreshingly break away from the overall intense theme of the movie. Her performance as an understanding and supportive partner who stands by her beloved in the most challenging situations has been well received.

V. Jayaprakash's versatile character as a conscientious police officer forms an interesting dynamic in the plot and he delivers a powerful performance. The actor lends credibility to the role of a law enforcer trying to swim against the tide of corruption and he becomes instrumental in shaping the course of Karti’s journey in the movie.

The plot gets twisted when Karti's peaceful world collapses due to an unfortunate event which ignites his fury against the system and allows him to see its dark, corrupt side. What follows is his quest to take his revenge on the people who wronged him and his family. This quest doesn't come easy as Karti has to face several hurdles, mainly the fear of being devoured by the same system he’s trying to fight.

Director Gokul does an excellent job of infusing the narrative with ample tension-filled scenes and moments of high drama, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the movie. The director’s seamless blending of the themes of love, revenge and justice is praiseworthy.

Roudram is brimming with raw emotions which is primarily driven by Jiiva’s intensely committed performance. His transformation from a boy-next-door to a crusader against corruption offers a lot of depth to his character. With the help of the skilled direction, his character takes audiences through his rough journey and leave a permanent mark on their hearts.

The cinematography of the film by Rajeev Menon is excellent, capturing the minutiae of the urban landscape and the intense action sequences with a precision that augments the film’s gritty, real-world feel. The music and background score by Prakash Nikki fits aptly with the movie's theme, elevating the intense situations in the movie to the next level.

To sum it up, Roudram provides a riveting viewing experience with its exceptional performances, captivating screenplay, and solid direction. It's a movie that goes beyond the bounds of conventional commercial cinema and leaves a profound impact on the viewer. It is more than just a compelling tale of revenge and stands as a gritty commentary on the flaws and corruption that grip society. It is certainly a must-watch for anyone intrigued by Indian cinema as it portrays an engaging conflict between the individual and society, and the lengths one can go to when pushed against the wall.