No matter how much we progress, no matter how much we change, there are some vestiges that cling on to our society, dragging us back, slowing us down, halting our march. Varnam (as is evident from the name) talks about one such vestige.

Set in a rural part of Tamil Nadu, Varnam talks about how caste rivalries still prevail in a big way, giving rise to bloodshed and animosity that prevails for generation. The movie takes us through the life of one such youngster who is bitten by this bug at a very early age. Growing up in the midst of people who do nothing but reinforce the strong communal feelings within him, it goes without saying that he emerges as a sure shot candidate for future violent encounters with counterparts from other castes. But, is there redemption waiting for him somewhere; does he get the opportunity to change or does the hate he carries within himself end up consuming him? We must first applaud the makers for taking up a subject that has such social significance. People in the cities might feel that this is a dated concept no longer relevant in current times. But one look at the news papers and we will be convinced that caste is still a big issue in the psyche of people. The furors that are raised over minor matters like the name of a film or a character in it are proof enough.

Varnam tries to paint a very nasty picture about the kind of atrocities committed in the name of caste hierarchy. Some of it leaves you wondering whether such things can really happen while simultaneously making you flinch in your seats by the sheer inhumane nature of the act. But, then you think that if honor killings and female infanticide are true then this also is possible. As the movie moves through the life of the youngster we are also shown a couple of budding romances, which you initially think are superficial, but then find out that they are important in shaping his mindset. The director has completely avoided anything in the name of comedy which preserves the gravity of the subject. Songs are also sparsely used, and also sound mildly interesting.

Sampath Raj appears as the ruthless enforcer of the caste hierarchy and is convincing as he tramples upon the weak without the slightest of remorse. The portions where he tries to feed his propaganda into the youngsters mind are also interesting. Giri, as the youngster who gets caught in a web of hate and communalism, also puts up a good performance. Monica too makes a brief but noteworthy appearance.

The camera work must be appreciated for bringing out the earthy feel of rural Tamil Nadu. Varnam, along the lines of Vengayam, is not a movie that has been made with purely commercial interests. Therefore it would be unjust to judge it based on the entertainment value that it provides. Obviously, entertainment is not the objective of the film; it tries to convey a message and it must get across to those who are open to such efforts.

Verdict: Varnam – not colorful, but meaningful.