“Niram Marum Ulagil” Film Review

Story anthologies are not a new phenomenon in Indian cinema. For the director, it is a delicate balance of creating an impact in a contracted period whilst still maintaining a common thread. Former ad film director Britto JB makes his feature film debut as a director in Niram Marum Ulagil, an anthology of four related stories with the common theme of the role of parents in their children’s lives.

The film features an impressive cast that includes Bharathiraja, Vadivukkarasi, Rio Raj, Natty Subramaniam, Yogi Babu, RJ Vigneshkanth, Rishikanth, Dance choreographer Sandy, Viji Chandrasekar, Lovelyn Chandrasekar, Suresh Menon, Aadukalam Naren, Thullasi, Mime Gopi, Lizzie Anthony and Kaniha.

After a heated argument with her mother, Abi (Lovelyn Chandrasekar) decides to leave home permanently. En route to her friend’s house, her plight is revealed to the train conductor, Na. Muthukumar (Yogi Babu) who decides to placate her anger by telling her about people he has come across in his life. As his narration unfolds, Abhi finds herself reassessing her life and her relationship with her mother.

The film is deeply moving and this has come about through thoughtful scripting and powerful acting performances. The unfolding events are not only food for thought for the character Abhi, but also for the film’s audience who inevitably would juxtapose the film’s events with their relationships with their own parents.

If there was any doubt about the acting ability of director-turned-actor, Bharathiraja, it would certainly disappear on seeing his performance in Niram Marum Ulagil, Vadivukkarasi is also in an electrifying role.

Rio Raj, Natty Subramaniam, RJ Vigneshkanth, Rishikanth, Aadkalam Naren, Balaji Thiyagarajan Dayalan and yesteryear actress Thulasi all portray their respective characters brilliantly, but it is Sandy who puts in a surprisingly convincing role as the appropriately named auto driver, Anbu. Namo Narayana plays a small but memorable role while Lizzie Anthony and Mime Gopi do much more than simply move the narrative along. Another revelation in the film is a brilliantly underplayed performance by Yogi Babu.

The film is augmented by the stunning cinematography by Mallika Arjun and Manikanda Raja. There are some jaw-dropping use of light and some very creative angles that punctuate a visual display that incorporates a rich palette and brilliant framing.

Music by Dev Prakash Regan is effective without being intrusive.

Niram Marum Ulagil has a script that touches many a chord as it traverses through the film’s narrative. Supported by the convincing acting performances, the emotional impact of the film is uncomfortably biting. Although there is a brief lull in the screenplay after the first half, the narrative remains engaging.

Niram Marum Ulagil scores 8 points out of 10.