Iraivi- Visitor Review

Karthik Subbaraj is a filmmaker who embraces quality material to make masterpieces. He imbibes certain traits that none of the contemporary filmmakers possess (Ranjith is an exception). Karthik is one of the few filmmakers who are able to reciprocate the works of other artists and at the same time, carve a niche for himself. He celebrated Quentin Tarantino in Jigarthanda. Tarantino meant profanity, violence, blood and gore. Now, with Iraivi out he celebrates filmmakers like K.Balachander and Mani Ratnam.

Iraivi had a great impact on me. Moondram Pirai and Nayakan were some the films which made me undergo a series of mood swings before I came back to normal state. Iraivi, as the tagline suggested Sila WoMengalin Kadhai, is the most subtle platform to explore views based on a feminist theme. Unconventional plot events and screenplay lead to an unpredictable series of events. We never know how the drama unfolds on screen.

SJ Suryah who played the role of failed artist reminded me of Kamal Haasan from Salangai Oli. So did the scenes where Kamalini tries to prevent him from drinking alcohol. Coming to Vijay Sethupathi. I keep telling this. He is one of the very few artists who do not believe in screen persona but the intricacy behind every character he plays. Anjali is also one of the most underrated actresses in the industry. Iraivi will serve as breakthrough for both SJ Suryah and Anjali. I have nothing to comment on Bobby Simha. He has performed with great efficacy.

The relationship between Michael, Arul and Jagan throughout the film is symbiotic. The pre-interval scene is bound to send a shiver down the spine for most of us. When Arul says "Neenga mattum varalena, avan enna konnurpan da".THAT WAS TOO GOOD. The last 30 minutes of the film scores high on emotions. Writing about them in detail will make way for spoilers.

Santhosh Narayanan's music was a major uplift for the film. Some of the emotional sequences were enriched by large scale with the help of his music. The song placement of 'Dhushta' was simply amazing. The cinematography by Sivakumar Vijayan was efficient. However, some of the drone shots were not up to the mark. Nonetheless, it was too good.

It ends on a positive note despite a tragedy. No matter what, Iraivi left an indelible imprint on my mind. I will have to watch Jigarthanda quite a few times again so that the Iraivi effect neutralizes. To sum it all up, Iraivi is the new Nayakan or Moondram Pirai of our generation. Experience it!