‘Onbathu Roobai Nottu’ is based on a novel Thankar Bachan penned about a year ago. To transform a literary work on celluloid and give a visual imagery to it is not an easy task. But Bachan can be commended for making an earnest attempt to put forth a story of simple village folk and their foibles.
It’s a multi-layered film that works at various levels. At one stage it’s about the conflict between two generations, the older one patient, prudent and far-sighted, the younger hasty, impatient and seeking instant gratification of their desires. It’s again about family bonding and friendship. And it’s also about fear and the painful loneliness of old age.
Madhava Padayatchi’s acts of generosity had earned him respect and honour among the village folks. But not with his sons. Worthless and undeserving, they resented his caution and prudence in money matters when it came to the gratification of their desires. Egged on by a relative, Dandapani, (dance master Shivashanker aptly fitting here), matters reach a head, and harsh words are heaped on Madhavar by his children. A hurt Madhavar leaves home with wife Velayi.
The duo finds shelter in the house of his old friend Haji Bai and his wife Kamila. A beneficiary of Madhavar’s largesse, Haji had since risen in wealth and status, and the couple were welcomed warmly into their household. But a series of unfortunate incidents leads Madhavar to take the journey back to his roots.
Bruised and battered by life’s blows, the lonely old man reminisces about his past as he returns to his village after a gap of 11 years. Wondering how his children were, and what was in store for him.
As Madhavar Padayatchi, Satyaraj is brilliant, essaying his role with such sensitivity, understanding and finesse that the character’s brave but futile battle against his destiny touches a chord in you. It’s a performance that lingers in the mind.
‘Azhagi’ Satish with his poise and sobriety leaves a mark as Madhavar’s young companion on the bus journey back to the village. If Archana’s Velayi comes across as this hysterical, screeching woman, painful to watch after a while, it’s partly the director’s fault for not streamlining her performance.
The scene where an ailing Haji with Kamila (Nasser, Rohini), bids farewell to Madhavar as they leave on a trip for Haji’s treatment, is one of the most touching moments in the film. The maturity and the experience of the actors come to the fore here.
The dialogue is meaningful where Kamila, fearful of spending her old age alone, ticks off Madhavar when he brings to Kamila’s notice the mercenary nature of her brothers who were looking after Haji’s business. And later, in Kamila’s silent expression of regret for her harsh words, Rohini reveals her class.
The script does lag at places, losing a bit of focus, and some trimming could have helped here. Also, there is a clutter of characters in the earlier scenes and it takes time to identify them.
Again, with Bachan’s recent releases we somehow don’t get that feel of complete satisfaction that we had experienced while watching his debut film ‘Azhagi’ or even his ‘Thendral’. But what is commendable is Bachan’s persistence in not bowing to commercial considerations, treading his lonely path, and attempting to make films that are different and more rooted to the soil.
Cast & Crew:
Banner: Indian Cinema Factory (P) Ltd.
Cast: Sathyaraj, Archana, Rohini, Nasser, Nitesh Kumar, Inbanila, Suryakanth, Sivashankar & Sathish
Direction: Thangar Bachchan
Music: Bharadwaj
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Tags: Archana, Inbanila, Nasser, Nitesh Kumar, Onbathu Roobai Nottu - Tamil Movie ReviewSathyaraj, Rohini, Sathish, Sivashankar, Suryakanth | Filed in Kollywood
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