Sei

Sei, a 2018 Indian Tamil action thriller film, is directed by Raj Babu with dynamic performances by the lead actors, Nakhul, Aanchal Munjal, and Chandrika Ravi.

The story revolves around the central character Saravedi Saravanan (played by Nakhul), an aspiring actor who is jovially referred by his family as 'Sei.' The peculiar nickname reflects his laid-back and carefree attitude and constant procrastination, which has prevented him from making any real strides in his acting career. Always in chase of shortcuts to success, he is waiting patiently for his big break. His effortless humor and easy-going nature form the heart and soul of the narrative's initial part. Sei's family, his supportive mother (essayed by Seetha) and endearing father (played by Anjali Rao), share the screen in some delightful sequences, underscoring the heartwarming bonds of middle-class Indian families.

On the other hand, Aanchal Munjal plays a doctor named Nena, who is determined and focused. Her character serves as a balance to Sei's whimsical nature. The chemistry between the two leads provides some feel-good moments and adds a romantic undertone to the adventure that lies ahead.

Chandrika Ravi, making her Tamil film debut, slips effortlessly into her role. Her powerful performance brings a fresh dynamic to the mix, but she is more than just a fresh face—to reveal more would give deal away, dashing the surprises the film holds.

The fascinating plot unfolds as Sei sees an unforeseen event pulling him into a whirlpool of trouble and chaos. Instead of going for his usual screen-test for a role, he unintentionally becomes an 'Ambulance Driver' for a day due to bizarre situations. The simple narrative snowballs into an action-packed journey filled with suspense, mystery, and thrilling sequences. These unpredictable occurrences weave together with subplots involving organ trafficking, a merciless villain, daring escapes, and unexpected allies.

Although primarily a thriller, the movie maintains a consistent tone of light-hearted comedy throughout, ensuring that the proceedings never turn overly grim. Sei plunges the viewers into what feels like a roller coaster of emotions as it combines humor, action, and mystery in the right measure.

Sei's writers have effectively blended social issues into the narrative, a trend that contemporary regional Indian cinema has done remarkably well. Without being preachy or overtly dramatic, the issue of organ trafficking is handled with seriousness, sensitivity, and awareness-raising intent. With its uniquely stylized narrative and bold storytelling, Sei is more than just an action thriller - it attempts to engage and educate its audiences about a severe societal issue.

The movie is well-paced, does not deviate from its core theme, and constantly keeps viewers engaged by throwing unexpected twists and turns. The performances of the ensemble cast add definite flair to the riveting storyline. Nakhul as Sei does a commendable job, skillfully shouldering the distinct shades of his character - humorous, confused, scared, and determined, making for a well-rounded performance on his part. No less is Munjal's depiction of the earnest Nena, and it’s interesting to see Ravi's role in the story.

Equally impressive are Sei's thrilling score and its stunning cinematography, magnifying the suspense and intrigue of the thrilling plot. Prakash’s cinematography captures the shifting moods of the film brilliantly, while New York based composer, Nivas Prasanna’s music heightens the film’s overall suspense and dramatic atmosphere.

Overall, Sei is an entertaining watch, a smartly conceived thriller that uses its central premise intriguingly and effectively. While it starts as a comedy-drama about a struggling actor, it deftly turns into a web of suspense that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It is a brilliantly layered story that balances different genres effortlessly and ties up all loose ends together in a satisfying climax. Despite being a thriller, Sei still manages to address relevant social issues diligently, resulting in an engaging film that isn't just entertaining but also thought-provoking. With its well-developed plot, outstanding performances, and a tight screenplay, Sei definitely stands out among Tamil movies of the year.