Pannaiyarum Padminiyum

In this age of hyper editing and ramping shots, SU Arunkumar's Pannaiyarum Padminiyum shows that there is still room for languid storytelling; that, lingering on a scene for long doesn't always get the audience restless. In fact, the film itself has just a single hook — the love a few characters have for a car — and every scene that unspools on screen is a reiteration of this one theme. And, yet, the film is always charming!

A genial landlord (the unnamed Pannaiyar in the film) is captivated by a Padmini car the moment he lays his eyes on it. This car belongs to his friend and circumstances force him to leave the car in the Pannaiyar's hands. The Pannaiyar is thrilled that he gets to be the de facto owner of the car for some time (even though he doesn't know how to drive it) and so are his villagers. And that is where Murugesan enters. He is a tractor driver (who races — and loses — to kids on bicycles) but becomes the designated driver for the car and soon, the car becomes a cherished thing for everyone in the village, turning into an all-purpose vehicle. It becomes an ambulance of sorts when a person is bitten by a snake, is used to relocate a dead man, and even takes stranded passengers when the local mini bus breaks down. But, for the Pannaiyar, his wife Chellamma and Murugesan, it is a beloved family member. So, when it is taken from them, their world becomes colourless and only the car's return will bring back joy.

Expanding his much-loved short film into a full-length feature, Arunkumar shows that he is a capable storyteller. He takes his time spinning his yarn but there is an assuredness in the telling that keeps you hooked. The film is filled with lovely moments (Gokul Benoy's burnished frames and Justin Prabhakar's soothing score only enhances the effect) and interesting characters, right from the Pannaiyar himself. He is a landlord, yes, and is always the person to introduce newer things in the village — including a toilet! In a montage to set up th...