Mariyadhai (2009) - Tamil Movie Review
Director: Vikraman
Producer: T. Siva
Music: Vijay Antony
Genre: Family Drama
Cast:
- Vijayakanth (dual roles as Annamalai and Pichai)
- Meera Jasmine as Chandra
- Meena as Aarumugam’s wife
- Ambika as Alamelu
- Ramesh Kanna in a supporting role
Plot Summary
Mariyadhai revolves around the life of Annamalai (senior Vijayakanth), a wise and honorable farmer, and his family. Annamalai lives with his wife Alamelu (Ambika), their daughter Sumathi, and their son Pichai (junior Vijayakanth). The film delves into themes of family values, sacrifices, and respect within relationships.
The dual roles of Annamalai and Pichai highlight contrasting personalities within the family: Annamalai embodies wisdom and maturity, while Pichai represents youth and impulsiveness. The movie narrates the ups and downs of family life, touching upon love, misunderstandings, and the eventual reconciliation of relationships.
The love interests for the younger Vijayakanth (Pichai) include Chandra (Meera Jasmine), while the story also showcases the support and warmth of Aarumugam’s wife (played by Meena).
Review
Storyline and Direction
Vikraman, known for his expertise in family dramas, stays true to his strengths with Mariyadhai. The film is deeply rooted in traditional values, with a storyline that emphasizes the importance of family bonds, mutual respect, and the sacrifices made by individuals for their loved ones. However, the narrative lacks freshness, as it relies heavily on tropes seen in earlier Tamil family dramas. The pacing is slow, which may not resonate with all viewers.
Performances
Vijayakanth delivers a commendable performance, effectively differentiating the two characters he portrays. His role as Annamalai is particularly impactful, reflecting the gravitas of a loving patriarch. Meera Jasmine and Meena bring emotional depth to their roles, while Ambika provides a strong presence as Alamelu, the supportive wife and mother. Ramesh Kanna adds occasional humor but doesn’t have much scope in the narrative.
Music and Technical Aspects
Vijay Antony’s music is pleasant, with a couple of songs that stand out for their emotional appeal. However, the background score, while adequate, doesn’t significantly elevate the drama. The cinematography captures the rural setting well, lending authenticity to the story. The editing could have been crisper, as the movie feels lengthy at times.
Critical Reception
Upon release, Mariyadhai received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While the performances, especially Vijayakanth's, were praised, the predictable storyline and slow pacing were noted as shortcomings. The movie appeals more to older audiences and those who enjoy family-centric narratives steeped in tradition.
Final Thoughts
Mariyadhai is a heartfelt film that champions traditional family values and showcases the dynamics of familial relationships. While it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, its sincere performances and emotional core make it a decent watch for fans of the genre. However, those seeking a more contemporary or fast-paced narrative might find the movie lacking.
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