Pa Ranjith’s new film Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a stunning spectacle of art wrapped with the core spirit of love. The three-hour musical epic is laced with social elements like caste, gender, sexuality, and religion and successfully combines social commentary with cinematic prowess.
The film stars Kalidas Jayaram as Iniyan, Dushara Vijayan as Rene, Kalaiyarasan as Arjun, Shabeer Kallarakkal as Sagas Ratchagan, Sindhuja Viji, Charles Vinoth, and others in supporting roles.
– Natchathiram Nagargiradhu Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
The film starts off with an argument between Rene and Iniyan, a young couple who are also a part of a theatrical group that performs various plays on social stigmas and crucial societal topics. Rene is an Ambedkarite and prolific reader who adapted her own name from one of Gabriel García Márquez’s novels. On the other hand, Iniyan is a young lad on his way to discovering things, with an attitude of objection towards her partner’s belief system. Ultimately, their fight ends with Iniya making a cast-based reference, leading to their breakup.
The opening scene is a brief intro to the film’s main themes. That is Love and Caste (two layers that are peeled sophistically throughout its run time).
Arjun, a conservative man with a strong ambition of becoming a film hero, arrives at the theatrical group. He learns immediately that the place is inclusive for all and doesn’t discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. He is taken aback by the inclusivity but later sticks to his acting.
The theatre group is led by Subeer, preferably addressed as ‘Master’ by everyone. Soon Subeer embarks on another theatrical idea, inspired by the happenings of his personal life. (An idea that will form the basis of chaotic beauty in the film).
With Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, Pa Ranjith has achieved the epitome of characterization. There is equal space for each identity to breathe and completely establish itself. For instance, Arjun forms a convincing character arch, Iniyan goes on a journey of redemption, and Rene opens up about her personal dimensions.
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In the first half, there were moments when I felt slightly disconnected. But the eventual payoff of each setup brought me back with an increased level of intrigue. The film takes a fair share of time to explore and make you comfortable with its disruptive world, only to prepare you for the alluring outcomes.
I personally fell in love with the second half of the film, where Arjun visits his grandmother and ends up in a ruckus of prejudice. The scene is almost a direct connection with the fictional play. Only this time, the horror is real and practical. The way Pa Ranjith orchestrates an environment of hate fixates you emotionally and mentally. And just when you think the horror has finished, the real panic begins.
The name of the film translates to “A Star Shoots Across” in English. I know there will be multiple deconstructions online about the meaning and significance of the stars shown in the movie. But for me, whenever the characters gazed at the constellations, there was a moment of peace that synced with the chaos. A dazzling moment of innocence where love was finally free.
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu Final Thoughts
Pa Ranjith’s new directorial venture is must watch if you wholeheartedly love cinema. It will define various stages of love and hate and will leave you with a daunting climax.
You can stream Natchathiram Nagargiradhu on Netflix.
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