'Sillu Karupatti' - A strong word by mouth review on this movie prompted me to watch this movie over. And boy! I don't regret it. It is an anthology of four stories written & directed by "Halitha Shameem" whose previous outing was 'Poovarasam Pee Pee' (also a good watch). The movie deals with love at various stages - romance budding between two 15 year olds (Pink Bag), love between two adults in their 25's (Kakka Kadi), love blossoming between two elderly couple (Turtle Walk) and a married couple rediscovering their seemingly lost love between them (Hey Ammu).
While "Pink Bag" shows the social strata, it sweetly shows the love that just buds between a rag picker and a rich girl. "Kakka Kadi" tells the story of two adults who share the same OLA ride often. Love here is sensible there when one supports the other in times of distress (definitely not lamenting). "Turtle Walk" portrays a widowed elderly man and elderly woman who chance to meet each other and slowly realize they need to be together. "Hey Ammu" talks of the married couple where they find there is love lost between an husband and his doting wife even after having three kids and how they find it back.
While "Pink Bag" shows the social strata, it sweetly shows the love that just buds between a rag picker and a rich girl. "Kakka Kadi" tells the story of two adults who share the same OLA ride often. Love here is sensible there when one supports the other in times of distress (definitely not lamenting). "Turtle Walk" portrays a widowed elderly man and elderly woman who chance to meet each other and slowly realize they need to be together. "Hey Ammu" talks of the married couple where they find there is love lost between an husband and his doting wife even after having three kids and how they find it back.
The movie is not preachy but subtly makes you enjoy the film. There are no baddies who shout big lines on honor and caste and religion. Thank the director for that. She has done a great job in presenting the stories as it is and not going over the top. Being the writer also, credits to her for coming up with such a nice way of talking about love. Hope we get more and more such directors. The movie just talks of pure love; rather than the couple breaking into kisses and cuddles once they fall in love which is the usual formula. The music is calm and adds to the depth of the movie and the only song that comes during end titles was a good one. The cinematography was pleasant not showing a dull moment throughout the movie. The frames set were so soothing to the mood of the movie. The dialogues are not long but intellegent and sweet and so does not give a monotonous feel.
There were just a handful of characters but cast was perfect. I liked the lead characters performances in all the stories especially 'Turtle Walk' and 'Hey Ammu'. They don't have to overact or over emote or fight hundred of henchmen or lament over things. They just had to be their normal self. The ladies in the movie are outspoken and owned their spaces. Leela Samson, Krav Maga Sreeram were adorable together. Sunaina did a nice role playing a frustrated housewife who does not shy away from talking down her husband about his character or how he does not seem to respect her. The character of husband played Samuthirakani was interesting. I think this is the first time, I see him "not in preach mode". My pick of the four were "Turtle Walk" and "Hey Ammu".
I can watch this movie anytime of the day above the other usual non sense that we get to see on our screens by the name of Mass Masalas' and stereotypical tear jerkers. Originality is the key to which we can connect easily. I dunno how many of you have taken a bite of "Sillu Karupatti". It is popular down south of Tamil Nadu. Take a bite, you will find a sharp tinge but then chewing on gets you to the real taste of karupatti. Likewise, the stories may seem so simple but dig deep and you get to enjoy the ride thoroughly.
"Love is there everywhere around you. It is just that you have to look at it" - This is one of the many dialogues that come in the movie. Dunno why but the dialogue kind of stuck to me since then.
