They say you can talk the talk but walking the walk is difficult. But a legend will walk the walk, a legend will silently arise like a phoenix and prove his strength, a legend requires no glitz and glamour as he himself is a promise of good films, a legend is Balu Mahendra! All we can say is Balu Mahendra is back and his latest venture is a lesson on the value of human relationships (His forte) that one will never forget.
Thalaimuraigal has a very beautifully woven storyline. It is simple yet touching. It is a grandson's remembrance of his grandfather. Master Karthick, the child artist plays Adithya (Aadhi) in the film; Sashikumar and Ramya Shankar play Aadhi's parents, Balu Mahendra plays Aadhi's grandfather and M.Sasikumar plays a very important cameo. Aadhi's parents are doctors who are always busy with the hush and hurry of city life. They tie the knot in an inter-cast marriage which Balu Mahendra (grandfather) does not approve of. Balu Mahendra plays a retired Tamil professor who is still bent upon his orthodox way of living. A sudden turn of events brings this family of three back to the village. So from there on the storyline revolves around how Aadhi and his grandfather start bonding. This beautiful journey makes Aadhi and his family learns the simple yet necessary lessons of life and it shows us how an old man breaks free of unnecessary conventions.
Balu Mahendra wears the actor's hat for the very first time. His performance in the film was very touching. He made sure he brought out a balance between na�ve and serene emotions. He showed us how old people have a child inside them waiting to come out. When he dances in the rain along with his grandson you cannot help but smile at such an honest portrayal of affection. Master Karthick is simply the best part of the film. His comical dialogue delivery, his innocence, his na�ve curiosity, and his way of showing pure affection does the trick and works wonders. Sashikumar, Ramya Shankar and M.Sasikumar have done justice to their roles. They fit into their characters very well. All of them give us impressive performances especially during the numerous close up shots in the film.
This film has Balu Mahendra written all over it. From the lighting, to the focus, to the dusky beauty in the lead and the importance given to human relationships it is a Balu Mahendra movie throughout. It gives you a feeling of nostalgia, it leaves you helplessly emotional. There are a lot of block shots used throughout the film in combination with a lot of close up shots. The number of shots is less but the duration of each shot lasts longer. This can be done only when the filmmaker has utmost confidence on the acting skills of his artists. Natural lighting is used to light up most of the scenes and the unrealistic blue tone is eliminated. The entire film is taken during the golden hours photography (Afternoon to evening just before the sunsets). There are a lot of sun beam and sun ray used in scenes to give us the feel of a pleasant day. The film is kept very realistic till the end and it even takes up a very relaxed and calm pace of storytelling.
Illayaraja's music in the film is very pleasant and it intensifies the emotions throughout the film. The ambiance sounds are were soothing and a lot of sound bridges are used which ensures a smooth transition between the scenes. The unnecessary loudness of the city is kept away as we are welcomed by serene silence that leaves us feeling fresh and at ease.
A pleasant silence exists all through the film. The silences give room for more emotions. The dialogues are very simple yet relatable. The entire story is very accessible. It does not paint a picture perfect world instead it kindles emotions in all of us by giving us a walk through the reality of growing old and growing up. We are the same audiences who witness violence but hear even a small wound puts us in discomfort. It shows us the meaning of unexploited and pure relationships. It takes us back to our roots and makes us realize the importance of our cultural values and traditions. It teaches us how to find joy and happiness in little things of our daily life.
Overall this film breaks religious conventions and builds a bridge that connects the old and the new. Thalaimuraigal is an emotional, touching and beautiful film that will bring you closer to family. Definitely one of Balu Mahendra's best. Do not miss out on this one.
Rating: 4.5/5
Credits indiaglitz.com
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