Por ThozHil
Introduction
Onto the next release of the weekend and I have finished watching the new Tamil film Por Thozhil which is now streaming on SonyLiv. If there was this one film across languages that I was keenly awaiting on its OTT release, then it was Por Thozhil, a film that received massive appreciation during its theatrical release. And while I did miss out on its theatrical release, I was quite looking forward to watching the film given that it was a serial killer thriller. For those of you who are now well acquainted with my reviews, would know that serial killer films are my absolute staple diet, and if done well, it would account for an exhilarating watch.
It was previously that the Tamil Film Industry had come out with one of my favourite serial killer films in the form of Ratsasan, and that was such a brilliant film that kept the mystery and the thrill quotient alive until the dying minutes of the film. With Por Thozhil, I wished to re-experience the high of Ratsasan all over again! So then does Por Thozhil manage to impress, lets find out.
Story & Screenplay
Por Thozhil follows the story of a serial killer on the loose wherein an investigation is underway as the body count rises. Would the cops be able to crack the case soon? The story here may not have anything new to offer in terms of its template but it is so well written and executed that it does make for a supremely thrilling watch. The screenplay standing at well over 150 minutes may seem daunting but it accounts for one of the most thrilling serial killer films that I have witnessed in recent times!
The drama does open on such a brilliant note with two cops driving through the night with one of them complaining about his night duty. The setting of darkness is inviting for the viewers almost making them prepared for an event which is to follow. There is a sense of tension with respect to the surroundings that accentuates in layers, first with their car breaking down to later one of the cops spotting what seemed to be a corpse. This opening is compelling and instantly draws you in the case. Soon, you are introduced to the protagonist, a young man just passed out of the police academy who is tasked to assist his superior on a serial killer murder case. What starts off on a rocky note for the two of them, soon transform them in the thick of things while cracking a grizzly murder case involving multiple victims.
The proceedings are engrossing and tactfully build up pace with every passing minute. There are a few lighter moments to begin with that reflects on the mentality of the new recruit until he slowly finds himself in the thick of things. His superior is a perfectionist who would go to any length to crack the case. And slowly, you see that virtue rubbing off on the protagonist. The one thing that I thoroughly enjoyed was on how focused the writing was, never diverting into needless subplots with respect to a romantic angle of the protagonist or even his personal life. What that transpires into is a twisted investigative thriller that keeps you on your toes with one event leading to another while keeping the mystery alive.
The twists and turns in the screenplay are indulgent and only heightens your interest levels. Each time you feel the cops are nearing in on the murderer, a twist changes the equation. The fact that the writers added layers of mystery with respect to the research done by characters on the previous cases over the years was enough to pique my interest in the drama. Yet, the events are bone chilling particularly in the final 30 minutes thus leading up to a satisfactory final act with a good revelation as well. I would like to say that Ratsasan was still better but taking nothing away from the writing here which was immaculate to the core!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational but the forensic references coupled with the talks of investigation just hit home. The film has no songs and kudos to the makers for taking this bold creative decision. The BGM heightens the drama at several places. The cinematography is top notch with frames filled with tension being captured wonderfully well. The editing is crisp and sharp. Director Vignesh Raja does a splendid job in keeping the viewers focused on the proceedings without any diversions. This results in such a thrilling ride wherein the viewers are rewarded in a chilling and twisted drama. In other words, the direction is simply brilliant.
Performances
The performances are incredibly good and I shall keep the identity of a few characters under wraps(to avoid spoilers) but all ‘those’ characters have done a phenomenal job. You shall know whom I am referring to here once you watch the film. Nikhila Vimal looks pretty and has her moments to shine in a good job done. R Sarathkumar as SP Loganathan is outstanding to watch right from his body language and mannerisms. In a couple of scenes, his performance will give you goosebumps. And he shares a subtly warm bond with his co-star Ashok Selvan who is endearing and phenomenal as DSP Prakash. The character arc that he is able to pull off is in a way that of self discovery as well in a very twisted manner. It was a pleasure watching him perform onscreen.
Conclusion
Por Thozhil is a twisted serial killer drama with splendid performances that comes with my highest recommendation. Available on Sonyliv and Highly Recommended!