Review of “Modha Rathiri” – now streaming on Netflix

Raja Karuppasamy’s debut directorial – Modha Rathiri ­– is a perfect example of how a simple story can be transformed into riveting entertainment if adequate attention is given to the scripting, screenplay and plot treatment. Raja Karuppasamy gets it all right in this rib-tickling and sometimes emotionally moving tale of the thirteen hours before a wedding night of a young couple.

Rishikanth makes his debut as a lead actor opposite Anishma Anilkumar (Sirrai and Youth). The supporting cast includes Chetan, Bhagavathy Perumal, Shelly Kishore, Abdool Lee, Sangeetha Bala, Varshini Karmegham, Velan, Koushik Kabilan and the film’s director, Raja Karuppasamy.

The film traces the chaotic events surrounding the marriage of Maruthu (Rishikanth) to Muthuchelvi (Anishma Anilkumar) and the struggle to complete the wedding rituals within a very short time period. As the evening progresses hidden truths about both sides of the bridal party emerge and the chaos, tension as well as comedic and dramatic misunderstandings begin to overwhelm everyone. Whether or not these issues are amicably resolved forms the rest of the story.

It is difficult to believe that this is the director’s first film, as his script, screenplay and overall creative control of the film shows a degree of perfection that’s absent even among seasoned directors. The script is loaded with organic humour with thought-provoking and emotion-laden lines amid satirical comments, wit and a multitude of social, family, caste, love, gender roles and socio-political issues that act as a mirror to the audience without being preachy.

Given the intensity of the script, the film abounds with flawless and powerfully portrayed performances.

Rishikanth is definitely a talent to watch out for. He delivers a knock-out performance in his first lead role, exuding a powerful screen presence, natural emoting and the ability to get into the skin of his character.

Anishma Anilkumar delivers one of the finest performances by a lead actress this year, incorporating brilliant comedic timing, dynamic expressions and the ability to emote very naturally.

Chetan is once again in an overpoweringly intense portrayal as the priest who looks after the local Karuppasamy Temple on the outskirts of the village.

Bhagavathi Perumal delivers a fiery performance with brilliant support from A. Venkatesh, Abdool Lee, Karthikeyan DK, Velan, Kowshik Kabilan and Dileepan Krishnamurrthy. The film’s director – Raja Karuppasamy – brilliantly plays the bumbling and hopelessly inept lover.

Surendran Paranjothi’s cinematography provides the necessary visual excellence with his creative lighting techniques and unusual framing.

It is a huge step up for music composer Bharath Sankar who shines brilliantly in the film’s background score, driving the film’s narrative without overpowering any of the scenes. Bharath Sankar is also impressive in the film’s three songs.

One of the most impressive aspects of Modha Rathiri is the development of each of the characters – a feature that is not limited to the main characters. This development heightens the authenticity of the characters, making the narrative very credible – even in the comedic scenes. This is extremely difficult to achieve, especially when comedy plays a big part in the narrative.

Credit must also go to Raja Karuppasamy for crediting his audience with a high level of comprehension, as many crucial aspects of the narrative are hinted at – visually or verbally – without labouring the point. This is also a rare feature in mainstream cinema.

The film’s only wobble comes briefly with the pace of the second part of the film’s second half, but this is only noticeable because of the flawless presentation of the rest of the film.

Modha Rathiri is now streaming on Netflix and scores 10 points out of 10.