Citizen (2001) – A Tale of Justice and Patriotism
Introduction
Citizen is a 2001 Tamil-language action drama film directed by Saravana Subbiah and starring Sarath Kumar in the lead role. The film explores themes of patriotism, justice, and the fight against corruption, set against the backdrop of Indian politics. The film made waves upon its release due to its engaging narrative and strong social messages. Sarath Kumar's performance was widely appreciated, and the film's success marked a significant chapter in his career.
Cast and Crew
Director: Saravana Subbiah
Producer: A. M. Rathnam
Music: Vidyasagar
Cinematography: S. Saravanan
Editor: K. Ramesh
Production Company: A. M. Rathnam's A. M. Films
Main Cast
- Sarath Kumar as Arumugham
- Suman as Ranjani
- Sai Kumar as Vishwanath
- Nassar as Azhagu
- Sayaji Shinde as Nirmal
- Poonam Bajwa in a guest appearance
- Anupama Kumar as Arumugham’s wife
- Senthil in a supporting role
- Ranjitha in a supporting role
Plot Summary
Citizen tells the story of Arumugham, an ordinary man who becomes an extraordinary hero when he witnesses the systemic corruption and exploitation within the country. The film explores the challenges faced by Arumugham, who seeks justice for the people, especially for the downtrodden.
Arumugham is a righteous man who believes in the ideals of justice and fairness. However, after seeing the increasing corruption in both government and society, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Arumugham's life changes drastically when his family is destroyed by corrupt officials, and he becomes a vigilante.
The film has several action-packed sequences where Arumugham takes on the corrupt forces. With the love and support of Ranjani (Suman), a social worker, Arumugham wages war against the system. His quest for justice ultimately leads to significant sacrifices, showcasing his transformation from a simple man to a determined citizen willing to sacrifice everything for the betterment of society.
Direction and Screenplay
Saravana Subbiah does an admirable job in conveying the film’s core message of fighting corruption and standing up for what’s right. The screenplay balances between action and drama, with enough emotional depth to engage the audience. While the narrative occasionally falls into predictable tropes, especially in the second half, the director's earnestness in portraying Arumugham’s moral dilemma and his relentless pursuit of justice shines through.
The dialogues, penned with conviction, mirror the frustrations of ordinary citizens against the powerful elite, which resonates with many viewers. The screenplay's focus on patriotism and individual responsibility is the film’s strongest suit, even though certain plot points might appear over-dramatized.
Performances
- Sarath Kumar: As Arumugham, Sarath Kumar delivers a powerful performance. His portrayal of an idealistic man turned vigilante is intense and heartfelt. His screen presence, coupled with his action sequences, made him stand out as the film's central character.
- Suman: As Ranjani, Suman adds depth to the love angle in the film. Her character supports Arumugham’s moral and ethical struggle, and she plays her role with conviction.
- Sai Kumar: Playing the antagonist Vishwanath, Sai Kumar gives a menacing performance. His portrayal of the corrupt politician is solid, though his character is more of a vehicle for Arumugham’s quest for justice than a fully fleshed-out villain.
- Nassar: As Azhagu, Nassar provides a compelling portrayal of a character caught between the need to support his friend and the pressures of the corrupt system.
- Sayaji Shinde: Known for his roles as a menacing villain, Sayaji Shinde adds weight to the film as Nirmal, further intensifying the narrative conflict.
Music and Background Score
The music for Citizen was composed by Vidyasagar, who blends energetic songs with emotional ballads to heighten the film’s thematic resonance. The background score is dramatic, capturing the film's tension and action-packed sequences. Songs like "Thaan Thana Thaan" became popular for their energetic beats, while the slower tracks underscored the emotional journey of Arumugham. While the soundtrack isn’t a major highlight in terms of originality, it works effectively in supporting the narrative.
Cinematography and Visuals
The cinematography by S. Saravanan contributes to the raw energy of the film, especially during the action sequences. The rural and urban landscapes are visually well depicted, capturing both the simplicity of rural life and the urban chaos that accompanies corruption. However, the action sequences, which often drive the film, are shot with intensity and fervor, though they sometimes border on exaggeration.
The visual tone of the film is gritty, especially in scenes that depict the stark contrast between the impoverished masses and the corrupt elite. While the film’s action-heavy sequences are enjoyable for fans of the genre, they might not appeal to those seeking subtlety.
Themes and Highlights
- Patriotism and Justice: Arumugham’s journey reflects the larger theme of civic duty, the responsibility of citizens to rise against injustice, and the sacrifices needed to challenge corruption.
- Corruption and Social Change: The film critiques the political establishment, portraying how systemic corruption affects the lives of ordinary citizens and fuels disillusionment.
- Vigilantism: The film also examines the blurred lines between law and justice, questioning the ethical implications of taking the law into one’s own hands for the greater good.
- Love and Sacrifice: The relationship between Arumugham and Ranjani adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, demonstrating the sacrifices individuals make for their loved ones and the larger good.
Strengths
- Strong Central Performance: Sarath Kumar shines as the protagonist, capturing the complexities of his character with sincerity.
- Compelling Social Message: The film’s exploration of patriotism and the fight against corruption strikes a chord with audiences, especially those disillusioned with societal injustices.
- Action Sequences: The action is energetic, with several engaging confrontations and fight sequences that elevate the film’s tension.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: While the film delivers an important social message, the narrative follows a familiar pattern of the lone hero taking down corrupt forces, which may feel formulaic for some viewers.
- Over-the-top Drama: Some scenes, particularly in the second half, are melodramatic and may detract from the otherwise serious tone of the film.
- Underdeveloped Villains: While the antagonists are portrayed as corrupt, their motivations and depth remain limited, which makes their opposition to Arumugham somewhat one-dimensional.
Critical Reception
Citizen was received positively for its strong central performance, especially by Sarath Kumar, and its relevant social themes. Critics noted that while the film carried a noble message of fighting for justice, its predictable story arc and reliance on action sequences might have reduced its impact. The action-heavy nature of the film, while appealing to certain audiences, was seen as less nuanced by others. Nonetheless, it resonated with viewers looking for a film with a strong moral center.
Conclusion
Citizen is a film that combines action with a social message about justice, corruption, and patriotism. Sarath Kumar’s compelling performance as the vigilant protagonist elevates the film’s impact, even though the narrative occasionally falls into predictable patterns. The film serves as an entertaining yet thought-provoking exploration of civic duty and the personal cost of fighting for a better society.
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