Iraivi

Iraivi signifies the transition of Karthik Subbaraj from a whiz kid who delivered visually dazzling works to a major filmmaker who merits serious discussion. If Pizza and Jigarthanda showed his directing flair, Iraivi is a showcase of his writing prowess. That doesn't mean the film is visually a lesser experience. In fact, it is equally impressive. The film is certainly the most interesting 'drama' we have seen in Tamil cinema in a while.

The plot revolves around three men and their attitudes, which impact not only their lives, but also those of the women in their lives. For the filmmaker Arul (SJ Suryah, fantastic), the fact that his film is lying in the cans because of a tussle with his egoistic producer (Vijai Murugan) is reason enough to turn to booze. Michael (Vijay Sethupathi, perfect) is so taken in by Arul and his family that he never thinks twice about his 'devotion' impacting his own life. He doesn't even mind ending a between-the-sheets session for them. Jagan (Bobby Simhaa, effective), a college student and Arul's brother, is perhaps the only male character who sees the two men for what they are. His own father (Radha Ravi) had mistreated his now comatose mother (Vadivukkarasi) when she was in good health. Naturally, he is angry with the way these women are treated and wants things to be better for them. But he doesn't realise that what his actions denote is not empowerment but condescension dressed up as concern.

As for the women in their lives, Arul's wife Yazhini (Kamalinee Mukherjee, solid), cannot make up her mind on whether she wants to live with her drunkard husband or move on and remarry. Ponni (Anjali, excellent), Michael's wife, knows that she has ended up with a husband who doesn't really love her, but soldiers on because that is what women are meant to do in our society. On the other hand, Malarvizhi (Pooja Devariya, impressive), a widow, is clear that Michael is just a friend with benefits to her, despite him professing his love to h...

The story of women's fate from the men's perspective.

Iraiva means God and Iraivi means Goddess, but it should have been Iraivigal which means Goddesses. This film talks about three women, who dream how their future should be. That's the opening, but the remaining film tells a different story. In this men dominated world, what is the part of women and their sufferings revealed in its nearly 2 and half hour long run.

So like the title implies, it is about women, but from the perspective of men who influence in their life. From all this, one thing I learnt was, Indian women yet to stand on their own feet. I mean India is one of the country that allowed the equal right for women, but they are unable to take the opportunity in the hands as something is blocking their way like men or culture maybe. So this film explains some of the facts which partially inspired by a book by Sujatha, 'Jannal Malar'.

Once again, I'm very disappointed with the film length for an Indian film. It was just too long, but this is a well patched story with the twist and turns all the way till the final scene. Filled with kind of unpredictable stuffs. The script was the first best thing from it, followed by the performances by all and then decent quality production.

As I mentioned earlier about the runtime, I'm upset with the unnecessary songs and dances as well. Those music video tracks killed the rhythm of the narration. It might be okay for an Indian viewer, but if you an international audience, that's totally annoying. Same thing happened to the director's previous film 'Jigarthanda' as well. I consider 'Pizza' was his best work in that perspective, yet all his three films, including this is a great achievement, that's betters the average of the Indian cinema standard.

When it comes to the actors, it's good to see SJ Surya after a long time in his best performance. Vijay Sethu nailed his part. His character was simply outstanding and so his other co-star Bobby Simha. But in t...