What Is the Story About?
Parasuram (Thambi Ramaiah) is the sole breadwinner of the family. He has many responsibilities to fulfil, and is sure that his promotion to the GM of the company would settle them. Unfortunately, on his way to the meeting, he has an accident.
What happens to Parasuram’s dreams? Did he get a second chance? How his story ends is Vinodhaya Sitham’s core premise.
Performances?
The role of Parasuram is tailor-made for Thambi Ramaiah. It is a mix of innocence, attitude and emotion that comes naturally to him. It is no surprise that he pulls it off with ease and manages to make it compelling.
From high pitch anger to soft glimmer eyes, Thambi Ramaiah makes the best use of his natural abilities. It also helps him that the character offers him enough scope to make them count. Barring some over the top moments (which are intentional), everything else is alright.
Analysis
Samuthirakani is now famous as an actor, but he is also a director by profession. He had directed the Telugu remake of Nadodigal (Shambo Shiva Shambo) more than a decade ago itself. Since then, he has been going behind the camera now and then. Vinodhaya Sithram is his latest directorial venture.
The story of Vinodhaya Sithram is simple. It takes inspiration from Bruce Almighty template, where an external power gives a chance to ordinary man to correct his mistakes or live his life again for a certain period.
When it comes to Vinodhaya Sitham, it is time. It is a neatly framed device that helps take the narrative forward and push the message of ‘Karma’. It says that an individual should do ‘whatever-it-is to-be-done’ to the best of his abilities and not bother about the rest.
The journey between Thambi Ramaiah and Samuthirakani is the mainstay of the movie. It provides entertainment and message simultaneously. The situations and characterisations are explicitly designed to pass on the message. It is where the narrative appears formulaic after a point.
Different aspects of a family and the human psyche are packed in the narrative to drive the relevant message. At times, the account feels that if the outcome was thought first and then the characters created for it.
Despite a short run-time, if there is a formulaic feeling, it is due to the aforementioned factors.
Still, there is a feel-good factor running throughout the narrative. The conversations between the two primary characters add to the fun. One moves forward only to watch them lead the way.
The emotional drama around the climax could have been better handled. The idea and intention are good, but the required emotion is not entirely felt.
Overall, Vinodhaya Sithram is a harmless little movie that aims to pass on a timeless message. It is about doing our duty with honesty and moving on. Give the film a try if you want some feel-good entertainment for a change. But, it is better to have expectations under check.
Other Artists?
Samuthirakani is perfect in the critical supporting part. He carries it with grace, poise and control without ever going overboard. Sriranjani is adequate as the caring and doting mother. Jayaprakash and Muniskanth add to the variety and deliver the required. Others like Deepak, Sanchita Shetty, Yuva Latchmi and Sherin etc., do their small but emotional parts well.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by C Sathya is good. It helps in adding a feel-good atmosphere. The cinematography by NK Ekhambaram could have been better. The editing by AL Ramesh is neat. There is a smooth flow in the narrative. Sreevathsan, Viji and Samuthirakani are jointly credited for dialogues where are okay.
Highlights?
Thambi Ramayya – Samuthirakani Pair
Dialogues
Clean Film With Message
Drawbacks?
Gets Formulaic
Clichés
Predictable Moments
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, With Little Reservations
Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review by Binged Bureau