Aanmai Thavarael Review

Who said movies are for mere entertainment. It is also a medium to propagate a strong message that is most needed for today's society. Filmmaker Kulandai Velappan, in his debut venture, has handled a sensitive issue and arrives at offering a strong solution to it.

Women and child trafficking is the most common news one would find in newspapers daily. Three cheers to Kulandai Velappan and producer Kamal Nayan, who have gathered guts to take this issue, in their first venture itself.

`Aanmai Thavarael' is a compilation of events that happens in real life. Seemingly inspired by media reports and intense research on the subject, Kulandai Vellappan has etched a story and screenplay that is strikingly different from the commercial cliches.

He gets into a rhythm in the first frame and settles down to render a wholesome product that speaks about safety and security of womenfolk in the country. The need for the government agencies concerned to tackle the crime against women has been highlighted in the best possible manner.

The filmmaker also succeeds in convincing us with lesser known star cast. The actors have fit the role well. Maria Manohar's peppy background score, Arabindhu Sara's cinematography and V J Sabu's editing deserve credit for they set up the right momentum.

Vettri (Dhruva) is an executive with a call centre while Yamuna (Sruthi), his neighbour, works in a BPO. There is romance between them and the couple meets every morning after Yamuna retuurns from her night shift.

One day, Dhruva waits for her, but Yuamuna goes missing. The issue takes a turn when Yamuna's mother (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan) prefers a complaint with the police. The blame falls on Vettri. But enquiries reveal that she was kidnapped by a gang in a car.

Vettri promises to return with his beloved and sets out on a search. He knocks the doors of the police who keep passing the buck to various departments. Understanding that he is running short of time, he takes the help of Charles Antony (Sampath Raj), a former official in anti trafficking wing.

He helps Vettri obtain some vital clues and enquires to find out that Yamuna was kidnapped with few other girls only to be pushed to flesh trade in Goa. Vettri embarks on a journey to trace the car and redeem his lover from them. The search begins in Chennai which eventually after many twists and turns ends in Goa.

Dhruva is impressive. He portrays his role with utmost dignity. Sruthy is a welcome addition to Tamil cinema. She fits the role to T. The fear and agonies of a kidnapped girl are brought out well. Such roles are a cakewalk for Sampath Raj and he does play his part exceedingly good. The soft-spoken Subbu Panchu in the role of a villain is adequate.

All credits should go to the producers Redhead Entertainment. At a time when production houses prefer to do mindless masalas, Kamal Nayan, in association with Kulandai Velappan, has come out with a movie that is most needed for the hour.

A bold attempt that is worth a watch is `Aanmai Thavarael'.