Arulvaan Movie Review: A One-Dimensional PSA
The film Arulvaan, directed by Ganesh Vinayakan, attempts to tackle a serious issue: the oppression and exploitation of a tribal community. However, despite its noble intentions, the movie falls flat due to its one-dimensional approach and poor execution.
A Lackluster Performance
The film's central character, Kurinji, is played by Kritika, and she does a decent job in emotionally heavy scenes. Yet, the director's decision to have Ramya Pandian portray an adult version of Kurinji in the climax feels forced and disrupts the character's development. The performances of the other actors, including Arulnithi and Arav, are also underwhelming, with a lack of depth and understanding of their characters' inner worlds.
Disingenuous Dialogue and Music
The dialogue in Arulvaan is a significant issue. It sounds sappy and old-fashioned, which is jarring in a film trying to portray a grounded and realistic story. The characters' speech, filled with poetic flourishes and measured pauses, takes viewers out of the cinematic experience. The music, too, is predictable, with the 'sleazy cop' background score playing as soon as John Vijay's character appears, a move that feels forced and unoriginal.
A Preachy Conclusion
The film's climax, where Kurinji's father performs a 'saami aaduthal' (the lord's dance), is a prime example of the movie's desperation to convey its message. The dialogue, with its poetic and outdated phrasing, further emphasizes the film's lack of authenticity. The credits scene, featuring real news clips of tribals fighting against the system, is a powerful moment, but it feels like an afterthought, a desperate attempt to make the film more impactful.
Conclusion
Arulvaan is a film that fails to respect the medium of cinema. Its one-dimensional approach, poor performances, and awkward dialogue make it a tedious watch. While the issue it addresses is important, the film's execution is flawed, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a missed opportunity for a powerful cinematic experience.
