Saani Kaayidham is an odd film. Directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Keerthy Suresh, Selvaraghavan and Kanna Ravi, the portrayal is a hard-hitting Tamil period drama captured in a runtime of approximately 136 minutes.
– Saani Kaayidham review doesn’t contain any spoilers –
Saani Kaayidham is a Stroke of Genius with the Casting in Keerthy Suresh
The principal attraction of this movie is its cast in the protagonist. Keerthy Suresh is the heart and soul of Saani Kaayidham. There are many things that the movie has going for it. The plot is exciting, and the performances are excellent. But the movie lacks a particular connection with the audience, perhaps because of its length or maybe because of its storytelling style.
In addition, Arun has a beautiful eye for composition (Yamini Yagnamurthy is the cinematographer). He likes to hold his shots for a long time without quick cuts, and he uses locations with a rugged look and appealing aesthetic.
The director’s penchant for compelling storylines is evident in how the narrative unfolds with a passage from the Mahabharata about Duryodhana’s death, Bharathiyar’s “Pala vedikkai manithargal.”
The screenplay is well-written, and there is but one twist where the director brings in an unforeseen angle. Anticipation is always the best part, especially when it comes to movies. A beautiful set-up, a powerful script, apt casting, and the winning dialogue make the film an engaging experience. However, it is barely about just these things; what makes this work is its simplicity as we see the characters beautifully weave their fates.
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Saani Kaayidham – A Period Drama That Evolves With the Performances
All I can say is, watch this movie. Watch it for Keerthy Suresh’s restrained performance and the subtle direction. Rarely do they come out unscathed with a marvellous film like this. He weaves a fine line between binary emotions – fear and hope. While the former infects the characters in the movie, it is in real life that the latter propels us to dream big, overcome our fears, and conquer all obstacles. Essentially, it is the journey of all of us from our first birth to our last breath.
Here is a story that will not leave you with an empty stomach, and its cast is the one to tell this tale. The way they unravel events and describe the feelings of their characters in a very rational way, you can’t help but wonder about the mishaps and the consequences.
It does not have the same emotional undercurrents in writing. The movie fails to connect with the audience on an emotional level.
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The Balance is Struck between Grief and Rage in Saani Kaayidham
There is plenty to appreciate in each scene – a risqué visual language, an unusual story you haven’t seen before, or an intriguing performance. The film is very much mass from the start to the end. There is no single moment in the movie when the film moves out of that space. It is utterly dependent on that space. What ruins the movie is this interminable narrative. The movie tries to get you engaged in the feud of the lead characters, but despite its promising start, it settles into a bland tale that drags you like a ball and chain.
The beginning of the movie sets up its central conflict well. After that, there are multiple instances where it could have become attractive. But the script is written in a way to ensure that nothing out-of-the-ordinary happens from then on. The intention might have been to keep things simple and enjoyable. But the outcome is a narrative that could have been better worked upon – along with better writing and narration.
The film doesn’t have much of a commercial plot, but it still hooks the audience in parts highlighting the poetic justice aspect. The story might get predictable at times, but it is still worth watching as it shows some beautiful values in life.
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Stream it or Skip It?
I am a big fan of the regional film industry, mainly how they deal with social issues. The best of Tamil cinema has always been about its characters and their stories. There are exciting threads woven into the plot by stellar performances and sentimental music, which is undoubtedly a must-watch.
Saani Kaayidham is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.