A Heartfelt Satire with Keerthy Suresh at the Forefront*
Overview:
‘Raghu Thatha,’ directed by Suman Kumar, offers a refreshing blend of satire, humor, and compelling performances. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the film captures a pivotal era in Tamil Nadu’s history, characterized by anti-Hindi sentiments and significant political changes. The narrative brings historical context to life through its characters and their interactions, particularly focusing on the spirited Kayalvizhi (Keerthy Suresh) and her grandfather, Raghu Thatha (MS Bhaskar).
Plot and Characters:
The film opens with a historical overview, presenting the sociopolitical landscape of the 1960s through newspaper clippings. This backdrop sets the stage for the film’s protagonist, Kayalvizhi, a young woman who challenges traditional norms and expectations. Her character, marked by a strong rebellious streak, is introduced as she defiantly rejects conventional feminine roles, opting instead to participate in anti-Hindi protests and stand firm against societal pressures.
Keerthy Suresh’s portrayal of Kayalvizhi is both nuanced and powerful. Her resistance to societal expectations is a recurring theme, highlighted by her humorous and defiant dialogues. The character’s dynamic with her grandfather, Raghu Thatha, is central to the film. MS Bhaskar’s portrayal of the wise and humorous ‘thatha’ adds emotional depth and provides a strong counterpoint to Kayal’s rebellious nature.
Supporting Elements:
The film excels in its humor and irreverence. Even serious moments are infused with a light-hearted touch, thanks to the clever writing and strong performances from the supporting cast. Notably, Kayal’s brother’s wife and a couple of small-town criminals offer memorable comedic moments that enhance the overall enjoyment of the film.
However, some areas could have been improved. The relationship between Kayal and Selvam (Ravindra Vijay) lacks clear development, with Selvam’s evolving attitude not being fully explained. This aspect of the narrative feels underdeveloped, impacting the overall coherence of the storyline.
Direction and Music:
Suman Kumar’s direction is effective in balancing humor with social commentary. The film’s first half is laid-back, but the pace picks up in a lively and engaging second half. Sean Roldan’s music complements the film’s tone, with tracks like ‘Poruthhiru Selva’ adding a nostalgic and delightful touch to the narrative.
Performance:
Keerthy Suresh’s performance is the film’s highlight. Her natural portrayal of Kayalvizhi brings authenticity to the character and makes the film’s message feel accessible. Her ability to convey depth and emotion through seemingly simple interactions is a testament to her acting skills.
Verdict:
‘Raghu Thatha’ is a charming and entertaining satire, buoyed by Keerthy Suresh’s standout performance and a strong sense of humor. While the film could benefit from more cohesive character development, its engaging narrative and comedic elements make it a worthwhile watch.
Short Verdict Quote:
“‘Raghu Thatha’ is a delightful satire that combines humor and heart, anchored by Keerthy Suresh’s compelling performance.”
Subtitles:
- A Satirical Journey Through the 1960s with a Modern Twist
- Keerthy Suresh Shines in a Rebellious Role
- Humor and Historical Context Blend Seamlessly
- MS Bhaskar Adds Depth with His Endearing Performance
- A Film that Balances Comedy with Social Commentary
Heroine : Keerthy Suresh
Produced by: Vijay Kiragandur
Written & Directed by: Suman Kumar
Creative Producer: Vijay Subramaniam
Music Director: Sean Roldan
Executive Producer: Rhea Kongara
Associate Director & Post Head: Durgesh Pratap Singh
Director of Photography: Yamini Yagnamurthy
Editor: T.S. Suresh
Production Designer: Ramcharantej Labani
Promo Editor: Sneak Peek
Audiographers: Anand Krishnamoorthi, S. Sivakumar (AM Studios)
Costume Designer: Poornima
Keerthy’s Costume Designer: Shruthi Manjari
Dialogues: Manoj Kumar Kalaivanan
Post Production Supervisor: O.K. Vijay
Publicity Designer: Jayan
Still Photographer – Vishnu S Rajan
Digital Media Partner: Silly Monks
Raghu Thatha | ரகு தாத்தா Cast and Crew
ஹோம்பாலே பிலிம்ஸ் | Homabale Films | Vijay Kiragandur | விஜய் கிரகந்தூர்
Keerthy Suresh – Kayalvizhi Pandian
கீர்த்தி சுரேஷ் – கயல்விழி பாண்டியன்
M.S Bhaskar – Raghothaman
எம்.எஸ்.பாஸ்கர் – ரகோத்தமன்
Devadarshini – Alamelu
தேவதர்ஷினி – அலமேலு
Ravindra Vijay – Tamil Selvan
ரவீந்திர விஜய் – தமிழ் செல்வன்
Anandsami – Ranganathan
ஆனந்தசாமி – ரங்கநாதன்
Crew
தயாரிப்பு: விஜய் கிரகந்தூர்
எழுதி இயக்கியவர்: சுமன் குமார்
கிரியேட்டிவ் தயாரிப்பாளர்: விஜய் சுப்ரமணியம்
இசையமைப்பாளர்: ஷான் ரோல்டன்
நிர்வாக தயாரிப்பாளர்: ரியா கொங்கரா
இணை இயக்குனர் – துர்கேஷ் பிரதாப் சிங்
ஒளிப்பதிவு இயக்குனர்: யாமினி யக்ஞமூர்த்தி
படத்தொகுப்பு : டி.எஸ். சுரேஷ்
தயாரிப்பு வடிவமைப்பாளர்: ராம்சரந்தேஜ் லபானி
விளம்பர எடிட்டர்: ஸ்னீக் பீக்
ஆடியோகிராஃபர்கள்: ஆனந்த் கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி, எஸ். சிவகுமார் (ஏஎம் ஸ்டுடியோஸ்)
ஆடை வடிவமைப்பாளர்: பூர்ணிமா
கீர்த்தியின் ஆடை வடிவமைப்பாளர்: ஸ்ருதி மஞ்சரி
வசனம்: மனோஜ் குமார் கலைவாணன்
போஸ்ட் புரொடக்ஷன் சூப்பர்வைசர்: ஓ.கே. விஜய்
விளம்பர வடிவமைப்பாளர்: ஜெயன்
ஸ்டில் போட்டோகிராபர் – விஷ்ணு எஸ் ராஜன்
