Kadaisi Vivasayi
RATING
Introduction
Onto the last of the films from the weekend and I finished watching the new Tamil film Kadaisi Vivasayi on SonyLiv. Now I was not going to watch this film considering the work load of other new films over the weekend. But I came across a familiar name in its promo – Vijay Sethupathi. Along with it, I also came across a review singing praises for the film in my cinephile group on Facebook. And that was it, I was sold. Without knowing what to expect, I took a plunge in the film. So then is Kadaisi Vivasayi worth your time, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Kadaisi Vivasayi follows the story of a last active farmer in a remote drought ridden village who is asked to conduct a traditional ritual from the first crop of the harvest season. The story is deeply rooted to the ground with so many heartwarming sequences. I can’t remember the last film which has portrayed agriculture as its central theme. Firstly, the village where the film is shot is just so beautiful. And it just works like a charm when the story is earthed and very close to reality. The screenplay is like a breath of fresh air where you are tactfully given a glimpse of the village and its surroundings. The metaphor used in the form of the peacock is quite brilliant. It has a mythological reference in the film which made me standup and take notice. The characters which are introduced seem just so real that there is an instant liking to the drama.
The conflict introduced in the plot is simple yet so subtle and satirical, this almost seemed like a conflict from a Malayalam film. The issues with the system are shown in a delicate manner but to balance it out there are several heartfelt moments also featuring a police official who after being reluctant initially to start the pump everyday says : “These 2 hours are the most peaceful for me”. Towards the end there is a sequence of the crops shown as perished as the old farmer looks on. That was such a heartbreaking scene which filled me up with so many emotions. I can’t imagine what it must be for the farmers. The film is filled with many such sequences which will keep you invested throughout and by the end of it leave you with a smile and a tear in your eyes. One of the most brilliantly penned screenplays of the year so far!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are again rooted to the area where the drama is set in, they are conversational but extremely engaging. The BGM is minimally used that allows you several moments to breath. The cinematography is simply breathtaking and captures some of the most picturesque frames which are like paintings. Director M Manikandan does a astoundingly brilliant job. He keeps the drama real and rooted filling each scene with plenty of emotions. The direction is fabulous here.
Performances
The performances comprise of so many new comers who do a fabulous job. But first Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu add a lot of star power to the drama without being too overbearing to the screenplay. Dr. Raichal Rabecca as the Magistrate is sincere and earnest and does a fabulous job. Muneeshwaran, Kali Muthu and Chaplin Sundar are exceptional in their respective roles. Nallandi as Mayandi the 80 year old farmer is stupendous. There are moments of silence which he fills with many bittersweet emotions so much so that it starts reflecting on you as a viewer.
Conclusion
Kadaisi Vivasayi is perhaps the Best Tamil Film of the Year so far. Available on SonyLiv and Highly Highly Highly Recommended.