Soorarai Pottru (2020) Tamil Movie: Full Review
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Director: Sudha Kongara
Producers: Suriya, Guneet Monga, and others
Writer: Shalini Usha Nair (Screenplay)
Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy
Editing: Sathish Suriya
Production Companies: 2D Entertainment, Sikhya Entertainment
Introduction
"Soorarai Pottru" (2020) is a Tamil-language biographical drama directed by Sudha Kongara, starring Suriya in the lead role. The movie is inspired by the real-life story of Captain G. R. Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost airline. With a compelling story, intense performances, and a social cause at its core, the film quickly gained widespread acclaim upon its release. It's a film about ambition, overcoming personal and institutional challenges, and fighting against the status quo for a dream that benefits the masses.
Plot Summary
The film follows the journey of Maara (played by Suriya), a determined man from a humble background with the vision to make air travel accessible to the common people of India. He faces numerous obstacles, from bureaucratic red tape to corporate rivalries, but remains undeterred in his quest to make low-cost air travel a reality. His personal life is not without its struggles either, as his relationship with his wife, Sundari (played by Aparna Balamurali), is fraught with challenges, but she stands by him through thick and thin.
As Maara’s ambition takes flight, he must confront several forces that try to crush his dream, from his arch-nemesis and the established aviation industry to his own doubts. The narrative explores not just his professional journey but also the personal sacrifices, love, and betrayals that come with it.
Cast and Performances
Suriya as Maara: Suriya's portrayal of Maara is one of his career-best performances. The role demands a range of emotions, from fierce determination to vulnerable self-doubt, and Suriya nails it effortlessly. He brings authenticity and sincerity to the character, making Maara's journey feel like a personal battle with himself and the world around him.
Aparna Balamurali as Sundari: Aparna delivers a standout performance as Maara’s supportive wife, Sundari. Though the character doesn’t have as much screen time, Aparna's nuanced portrayal of a woman standing by her husband's side despite her own dreams and desires brings a grounded emotional depth to the film.
Paresh Rawal as The CEO: Paresh Rawal plays the antagonist, a corporate mogul who stands as the immovable force against Maara’s vision. His character’s opposition is compelling, and he does justice to the role with his trademark subtlety.
Other Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, including Mohan Babu, Karunas, and others, add layers to the story. Their performances, while not as prominent as the lead roles, are solid and help in the development of Maara's journey.
Direction
Sudha Kongara, who is known for her works like Irudhi Suttru (2016), brings a perfect blend of emotional depth and social commentary to Soorarai Pottru. Her direction ensures that the film never loses focus of its central theme — the struggle of a man against the world in pursuit of his dream. Kongara excels at capturing the nuances of both the professional and personal realms of Maara's life, making the narrative feel very real. The portrayal of the airline industry and the gritty realism of the hurdles involved is one of the strongest aspects of the film.
Music and Cinematography
Music by G. V. Prakash Kumar: The music of Soorarai Pottru plays a vital role in elevating the emotions of the film. The soundtrack, including tracks like "Veyyon Silli" and "Soorarai Pottru", perfectly complements the film’s tone, alternating between uplifting and melancholic. The songs reflect Maara's internal struggles and moments of victory, creating a seamless blend with the narrative.
Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy: The cinematography is one of the standout aspects of the film. The visuals of small-town India, as well as the grandeur of the aviation world, are captured beautifully. The aerial shots of planes and Maara’s dreams are striking, adding to the film's scale. The film’s color palette and camera work bring the authenticity of rural and urban landscapes to life.
Themes and Message
"Soorarai Pottru" delves into the themes of perseverance, ambition, and the power of the common man. Maara’s struggle to bring affordable air travel to the people mirrors the everyday struggles of many who fight against a system designed to keep the rich and powerful in control. The film also touches upon the sacrifices of loved ones and the price of success, making it not just a tale of ambition, but of human emotion.
The movie also subtly critiques the corporate world, bureaucracy, and class inequality in India, showcasing how even the most innovative ideas can be squashed by the entrenched power structures. It’s a film about overcoming odds, where Maara’s dream is not just his, but a dream for the millions who can’t afford to travel by air.
Why Should You Watch Soorarai Pottru?
- Suriya’s Stellar Performance: If you're a fan of Suriya, this film is a must-watch. His portrayal of a man with a vision, facing obstacles, is outstanding.
- Engaging Story: It's a rags-to-riches story done right — inspiring and deeply emotional.
- Real-life Inspiration: It’s loosely based on the life of Captain Gopinath, and watching it will give you insight into the aviation industry in India.
- Well-rounded Characters: The film presents well-developed characters that go beyond stereotypes. Sundari's character, for instance, shows the importance of love and support in a relationship.
- Social Relevance: The film’s message about class divide, affordable services, and corporate greed resonates deeply in today’s world.
Conclusion
"Soorarai Pottru" is not just a film about flying; it’s a film about dreams, struggles, and defying odds. Sudha Kongara's direction, combined with Suriya's powerful performance, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s heart, its message, and its characters leave a lasting impact, making it one of the best Tamil films of 2020.
For anyone interested in films that combine social relevance with great storytelling, Soorarai Pottru is a must-watch. It’s a film that makes you believe in the power of a single idea and the drive to make it a reality. The combination of solid writing, direction, performances, and music elevates this film to a cinematic masterpiece that’s sure to resonate with audiences across the globe.
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