Dhuruvangal Padhinaru

“Life is unpredictable” says Deepak (played by Rahman) when he is introduced. He is a retired cop, rather forced to retire and spends his time in his bunglow in Ooty.

“Karma is like a boomerang, no matter how far you throw it will come back” utters Deepak when the movie ends.

In his own words he is not the one to spout words of wisdom, yet life has taught him so much that these words are a part of him.

The title card makes you sit up and get involved in the proceedings. A standing ovation from a sparse crowd when the end credit rolls bears testament to the assurance with which the debutant director has handled the subject.

A surprised Deepak narrates the unresolved case when the young man meets him. The youngster surprises Deepak not only with his ‘on time arrival’ but also with the information he has on the case.

A mysterious death in the wee hours near a public park has indications of a possible suicide, but it could well be a homicide. Deepak gets a call about a missing girl and blood splashed on the wall in her flat.

With little evidence, Deepak tries to put the pieces together with the help of a rookie but intelligent Gautham. Here the director contrasts with another new joiner. The director nails the importance of information and its dissemination through many little incidents.

As the investigation progresses the events unfold in layers. With Gautham’s help Deepak peels layer after layer with some lucky breaks. Just when we think that the case could be resolved a tragedy strikes.

Is the case still not resolved as Deepak claims? Does the youngster who shows so much interest in the case provides some clue? Please watch it on the screen.

The darkness, rain, camera angles do convey a story of its own they seamlessly integrate with the investigation. The usage of silence in the background score sets the mood. Though the background score is loud at places it heightens the excitement.

Rahman as Deepak comes up with a good performance but leaves us with a feeling that something more is needed. It’s hard to believe that this is Karthick Naren’s directorial debut. Aided by cinematography, background score and editing he has presented a gripping thriller.