What Is the Story About?
Maari (Kanna Ravi) has a feud with Anbu, Giri, Vasu and others, fueling them to take revenge on him. They set their eyes on Ponni, his wife. They physically and mentally abuse Ponni and burn her house with her husband and kid inside.
The movie’s overall story is how Ponni, deemed a powerless woman and from a low caste, takes revenge on the powerful males. Who helps him in this process and how their relationship grows forms the subplot.
Performances?
Keerthy Suresh and Selva Raghavan are the main leads of the movie. They drive the narrative with a raw portrayal of emotions. Keerthy Suresh is seen in her most realistic avatar to date if one discounts the misadventure of Thodari (Rail in Telugu).
The cold-blooded turn from a soft-spoken woman at the start is what makes the act special for Keerthy Suresh. The many dramatic moments are set on her, and she does a decent job throughout. But, we have seen the actor do some the drama before, although not with this realistic touch.
Selva Raghava is the real surprise here with his heartfelt act. He is superb in the casual moments with the child and helps in generating an emotional angle without many dialogues. The ending is almost like a star with the music and the imagery.
Analysis
Arun Matheswaran directs Saani Kaayidham. It is a straightforward tale of revenge set in the late eighties. The idea is to present raw emotions by cutting down the drama. We see that in the narrative, where the focus is more on the visuals than dialogues. Movies, like I Spit On Your Grave, seem to be the inspiration here or at least that’s what comes to the mind looking at the execution.
The black and white frame at the beginning and the violence that happens sets the tone for the rest of the movie. A chapter-wise narrative is used here, which works well for the gradual build-up of emotions and escalating danger.
The story is utterly predictable here; the setting and mood make the whole thing work. It is almost like a horror story. The slow pace builds up the fear factor of what horrible thing could occur to the protagonist. Later the same works in making one root for the protagonist’s escape.
The problem here is not the revenge or the high violence, but instead the lack of drama. The couple of scenes between Keerthy Suresh and Selva Raghavan are poorly written. We are told they share common grief, but we don’t feel it. We just go with the flow as the revenge feels justified.
A better dramatic arc between Keerthy Suresh and Selva Raghavan would have elevated the last half an hour much better. It is alright as it is, but it could have been much more.
The minor troubles in the revenge plan help save the narrative from coming across as outrightly flat. There is a gripping quality even when we know what is in the store. It takes us to the end slowly but steadily.
Overall, Saani Kaayidham has a predictable story, but the gripping execution with terrific background score and performances make up for it. If you like raw and realistic dramas and violence is not an issue, do give the movie a try.
Other Artists?
Apart from Keerthy Suresh and Selva Raghavan, everyone else has brief roles. Kanna Ravi, Murugadass, Lizzy, Vinoth Munna and other artists do their parts well, even if they are small. They are all perfect for the characters, which helps in elevating the proceedings.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Sam CS is terrific. It is critical to establish the gripping factor in the narrative. Even when nothing is happening, it is what keeps one glued. Yamini Yagnamurthy’s cinematography is striking. The frames are sharpened further by Nagooran’s crisp editing. The wiring could have been better as there is a generic vibe throughout.
Highlights?
Keerthy Suresh
Selva Raghavan
BGM
Drawbacks?
Missing Emotional Depth
Some Rushed Moments
Brutal Violence (Not For All)
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Saani Kaayidham Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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