Thodari

Thodari is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Prabhu Solomon and starring Dhanush, Keerthy Suresh, and Ganesh Venkatraman. It's a film that combines the excitement and tension of an action thriller with the charm and emotional drama of a romantic story, set against the captivating backdrop of a moving train on its journey from Delhi to Chennai.

Thodari - which translates to "The Train" - possesses a unique narrative tale that centers around Poochiyappan (played by multi-talented actor Dhanush), a railway pantry worker, and Saroja (portrayed by Keerthy Suresh), a touch-up artist for an actress. Poochiyappan is a humble and innocent character who finds himself smitten by Saroja, a simple and quiet individual. As they confront their growing feelings for each other, they also grapple with the trials and tribulations of their respective lives.

The plot thickens when their train embarks on a journey and a mishap leaves the entire train, with over 700 passengers, speeding without any driver. This event sets the stage for a thrilling narrative, with Poochiyappan and Saroja battling not only their emotions but also fighting to protect the lives of hundreds of passengers on board.

The movie depicts their struggle against this perilous situation, with Saroja and Poochiyappan emerging as unexpected heroes, each with their own bravery and intelligence. This scenario forms the crux of the film, providing unexpected twists and turns that maintain a sense of anticipation and excitement, captivating the viewers till the very end.

Thodari is significant as it's written and directed by one of the country's acclaimed filmmakers, Prabhu Solomon. His penchant for bringing out the best from his actors is evident from the top-notch performances delivered by the leading pair - Dhanush and Keerthy Suresh. Dhanush, in particular, displays versatility in showing the growth of his character from a shy, unassuming pantry worker to an unlikely hero. Keerthy Suresh, on her part, gracefully blends vulnerability with courage in her portrayal of Saroja.

One cannot speak of Thodari without mentioning the significant role of Ganesh Venkatraman, who delivers a strong performance. The supporting cast comprises a host of well-known faces like Thambi Ramaiah, Radha Ravi, and Harish Uthaman, who add depth to the film's narrative.

A special mention must be made of the film's music and sound design, handled by D. Imman - an award-winning composer known for his keen sense of melody and rhythm. The songs and background score play a crucial role in the film, adding a layer of emotion, tension, and thrill as required by the narrative, thus enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The film’s cinematography by Vetrivel Mahendran captures the essence of a moving train amidst the vast and scenic landscapes, creating an enchanting visual treat for viewers. The scenes inside the train, as well as those capturing the different terrains the train traverses through, are visually engaging and brilliantly captured.

Densely packed with emotions, thrill, drama, and romance, Thodari is an unusual blend of a love story and a suspenseful journey. The stakes keep rising, and tension builds up throughout the storyline, while the emotional arc between Poochiyappan and Saroja keeps the audience engaged on a deeper level.

Thodari is not just a tale of a man and a woman in love but also a story of courage, bravery, and the will to protect others even in the face of grave danger. Filled with suspense, tension, romance, and featuring stellar performances, Thodari is an engaging watch for those seeking a thrill on the silver screen.