Violent movie has an uplifting and positive message

For those who had seen posters or trailers of Goripalayam, it would have been easy to dismiss it as yet another Madurai-based violent movie. However, the name Rasu Madhuravan drastically changes this picture.

This young director made his debut in the hit film Mayaandi Kudumbathaar, which made an instant impression on everyone who saw it.

Madhuravan's second film makes just as strong an impact. It is very violent and contains many disturbing scenes but, paradoxically, has an uplifting and positive message.

The film deals with how the first 24 years of one's life determines one's personality and values. It also looks at the crucial role parents play in the lives of their children and to what extent society shapes an individual.

It traces the lives of four young men who practise virtually every vice imaginable. They do not hesitate to use violence to sort out their problems. They each have a very graphic past that led to their current state. Their behaviour leads to them making dangerous enemies and they soon find themselves on the wrong end of a hit-list.

Their enemies hire an assassin called Paandi (Vikranth), who has a reputation for completing his allotted task - regardless of the circumstances. Will the friends escape this fate or will Paandi finally meet his match?

Madhuravan has infused the same level of strong human sentiment that he displayed in his debut film. This is a laudable achievement for a film whose core theme is such a violent one.

It is this strong emotional element that makes Goripalayam such a powerful film. For films riddled with violence, it is easy for the viewer to become distant from the protagonists or the events but Madhuravan ensures the audience remains firmly attached to the film through the credibility of each of the characters as well as the story. Further sweetening the experience is a strong comedy element.

The film boasts some outstanding acting although some scenes are jarringly loud - but this has now become a stock element in Madurai-based films.

Those who stand out from the others are Ramakrishnan (Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum), Raghuvannan (son of actor-director Manivannan), Rajkapoor, Manobala, Mayilsamy and Illavarasu.

Sabesh and Muralli score the music and impress with two of the songs. Their background music is also superb, in many places reminiscent of Illaiyaraja's music.

Bala Bharani's cinematography will easily be noticed by even the greenest of novices. His use of colour and filters in the last 45 minutes deserves a special mention.

Unfortunately, the movie's graphic violence makes it unsuitable for younger viewers and this is a great pity as the film's underlying message is a noble one.

Madhuravan has earned a permanent place in the list of Kodambakkam greats with his unusual handling of a difficult theme. This is a must-see movie, although not for the sensitive viewer.

Last week's questions and answers:

Q: Which Tamil film saw Mammooty play the lead role opposite Amala in a courtroom drama?

A: Mounam Sammadham.

Q: Who wrote the story and screenplay for Oomai Vizhigall and Sendhoora Poove?

A: Aabaavaanan.

Q: In which film did comedian "Peter" Nagesh make his acting debut?

A: Nenjil Ohr Aalayam.

This week's questions:

1. Name the director who appeared in the cast of both of Madhuravan's films (Mayaandi Kudambathaar and Goripalayam).

2. Who scored the music for the movie Kodeesvaran?

3. Sivaji had started making a movie before signing on for Parasakthi. Name the movie.

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