What Is the Story About?
Parthiban, son of Indrani (Rohini), dies while cleaning an apartment sewer. How does the system troubles Indrani when she decides to fight for her son’s death? The movie’s core plot involves whether she gets justice or not.
Performances?
Rohini plays the central role of a mother suffering the tragic loss of her son. She puts on a compelling act and shows once again her dramatic range. Rohini is effortless, expressing anguish and pain the system brings on her. She doesn’t go over the top anywhere and stays subtle and intense throughout.
Shraddha Srinath plays a contrasting character compared to Rohini. However, she, too, fights for the right her way. She neatly brings the difference in appearance (classy) and acts. The personal life gives further depth to Shraddha Srinath, where she is alright.
Analysis
Deepak directs the movie besides providing the cinematography as well. He has picked a raw setting and background related to the manual scavenging and churns out a courtroom cum personal drama.
The movie is slow-paced, and it remains so until the end. But, it is not an issue after the initial few minutes, which are far slower. Things get interesting with the news of the death of the son.
The limited characters are explored adequately to create a compelling drama. One is hooked because of them initially, even when proceedings take a predictable course.
The actual drive of the movie begins when the narrative shifts to court. Here we see the entire movie content laid out one by one through the lawyer’s character. It is the courtroom drama that holds the whole thing together.
We realise the setting and the incident (death) are just tools to expose the system. The entire focus is on the law and rules and people in power related to manual scavenging. The issues and why it’s not done away with altogether are highlighted through the questions and answers.
Once the proceedings are over, the narrative jumps into a different terrain related to sanitary workers. They are highlighted in parts from the start, but things take a dramatic turn at the end. While the core issues are related, there is a feeling that things have taken a different turn.
Similarly, the personal subplot involving the heroine, too, feels forced in the narrative. While they give some depth to the character in the larger context, it doesn’t sit well.
Finally, after all the drama, how things end is a downer. It is as if the director doesn’t want to take things to a logical end (related to the case). Simple blame is put on the system and the powers (communities) driving it. The ending misses the edge.
The politics, too, are in the face. There is a clear left propaganda laced in the narrative. It might also be a little offputting to those who simply look for drama sans the political undertones.
Overall, Witness offers a compelling drama, in parts, in the background of manual scavenging that isn’t frequently touched. It highlights the problems in detail and leaves things there that end up in a not-so-satisfying watch. If you like hard-hitting dramas, give it a try, but have reasonable expectations.
Other Artists?
The casting is neat for the film even though its limited actors who take centre stage. Shanmugarajan shines, playing a character different from his usual portrayals. Srinath, playing the apartment secretary, the actor portraying the Comrade part, and others too chip in well with easily relatable roles.
Music and Other Departments?
Ramesh Tamilmani provides the music. It adds an emotional feel to the narrative. The background score, too, is alright. Deepak, the director, also handles the cinematography. It is fine. The editing is okay. There is a gripping narrative, mostly, despite the slow pace. The writing is fine, although it feels a bit procedural and missing more drama.
Highlights?
Performances
Courtroom Scenes
BGM
Drawbacks?
Ending
A Couple Of Sub Plots
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Witness Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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