Onto the next anthology of the weekend. Anthologies are usually a mixed bag, even in the fabulous Unpaused on Amazon Prime, there was one story that was slightly underwhelming as compared to the rest. The audience watching it have to be prepared for it – it is like watching four or more films in a single one where all may not be liked. But I am glad there are multiple production companies backing such projects and some of the real gems are discovered here. Ok, back to the review. I have just finished watching The Tamil flick Paava Kadhaigal that explores the dark side to concepts like love and honour. In our fixed review template, here we go.

Thangam – A story of a transgender who helps the love of his life to elope with his sister. The story is outstanding and the thing that amazed me was the portrayal of the transgender character who is usually a comic relief and treated as a carricature. This was a real portrayal and a sensitive one too. The screenplay has its share of twists and turns. Director Sudha Kongara who had earlier directed Soorarai Pottru has done a marvelous job here. Shanthnu Bhaguaraj and Bhavani Sre have lent some great support, but the star of the show is Kalidas Jayaram who has the best performance of the movie amongst all four. Such outstanding acting. 

Paava Kadhaigal Story 1 Rating: 4.5/5

Love Panna Uttranum – The story of father who will go any length in salvaging the honour of his family. The story is good as also relevant. The screenplay is a little intimidating in parts but I felt the end was a bit of a let down, I was expecting a darker end to the tale. Director Vignesh Shivan has done a very good job. The acting by Kalki Koechlin and Anjali(in a double role) is Brilliant and they are the standouts. 

Paava Kadhaigal Story 2 Rating: 3.5/5

Vaanmagal – The story of a family grappling with a horrific incident featuring one of them. The story is hard hitting and brutal. The screenplay will make you feel uneasy. And that end would almost give you a heart attack. But this story has a bit of hope at the end of it. Director Gautham Vasudev Menon best known for Rehna Hai Tere Dil mein has done an outstanding job, even as an actor. He is ably supported by Simran. The acting is the highlight of this short. 

Paava Kadhaigal Story 3 Rating: 4/5

Oor Iravu – The best amongst all the four is this one. The story of a father who revisits his daughter who had eloped for marriage. The story is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The screenplay gets way too dark towards the back end, so much so that it actually becomes a difficult watch. This is the genius of one of my favourite directors Vetrimaaran. If you are following his work, you know his story telling technique is hard hitting and provides little to no respite. You literally squirm in your seat. Prakash Raj and Sai Pallavi are both outstanding. This short is one for the ages!

Paava Kadhaigal Story 4 Rating: 5/5

Paava Kadhaigal is tender on the face of it, but dark and murky as you dwell deeper. Available on Netflix and Highly Highly Recommended.