A Celebration of Motherhood with an Uneven Narrative
Director: Britto J.B.
Cast: Bharathiraja, Natty, Rio Raj, Sandy, Yogi Babu, Vijay, Lovelyn, Naren, Vadivukkarasi, Suresh Menon, Mime Gopi, Vigneshkanth, Adhira, Rishikanth, Namo Narayana, Kaavya Arivumani, Arya Krishnan.
Runtime: 147 minutes
Genre: Anthology / Drama
Introduction
Niram Marum Ulagil, directed by debutant Britto J.B., is an anthology film that weaves together four independent stories, all tied to the central theme of motherhood. Through these narratives, the film attempts to highlight the unconditional love, sacrifices, and emotional depth of a mother’s bond with her children. The film unfolds as a train journey conversation between a ticket checker (Yogi Babu) and a young girl, Abhi (Lovelyn), who has left home after a dispute with her mother (Vijay). As the stories progress, Abhi gains a new perspective on the importance of motherhood.
While the film carries noble intentions, its execution is a mixed bag, with some stories resonating emotionally while others fail to leave a lasting impact.
Segment-wise Breakdown
- The Underworld’s Motherly Shadows (Mumbai Gang Wars)
Set against the backdrop of gang wars in Mumbai, the first story revolves around Malik (Natty) and his deep-rooted love for his late mother, who was a sex worker. He finds solace in the company of women from similar backgrounds, seeing them as mother figures. When his life is at risk, it is one of these women and her lover who come to his rescue.
While the premise is interesting, this segment lacks depth and emotional engagement. The character arcs feel underdeveloped, and the storytelling fails to create the necessary emotional impact.
Verdict: A weak start to the anthology with a lack of emotional resonance.
- Forgotten Bonds (Neglected Parents in a Village)
Bharathiraja and Vadivukarasi play an elderly couple abandoned by their children, who are too busy with their lives to care for their aging parents. The story highlights the sacrifices parents make for their children, only to be left behind in their old age.
Although this is a familiar theme in Tamil cinema, the execution feels routine and lacks the depth needed to make it a truly moving experience. The performances are solid, but the segment fails to break new ground or offer a fresh perspective.
Verdict: A predictable yet relevant tale, but emotionally underwhelming.
- A Son’s Dilemma (A Fisherman’s Moral Crossroad)
This story follows a young fisherman (Rio Raj) who struggles to arrange money for his ailing mother’s treatment. His mother (Adhira), a widow, has been his pillar of strength throughout his life. When faced with an ethical dilemma to acquire the necessary funds, it is her wise words that guide him towards the right path.
This segment stands out as one of the strongest in the film, effectively blending emotion and moral conflict. Rio Raj and Adhira deliver heartfelt performances, making this one of the more impactful parts of the anthology.
Verdict: A well-structured and emotionally engaging story that resonates with viewers.
- The Unlikely Bond (Anbu and Annakili’s Connection)
Set in Chennai, this segment revolves around an auto driver, Anbu (Sandy), who develops a close bond with an elderly widow, Annakili (Thulasi). She has been placed in an old-age home by her son, who is relocating abroad. When Anbu finds himself torn between a wealthy young woman, Mahi (Arya), and his emotional attachment to Annakili, he must make a heartfelt choice.
This light-hearted and feel-good story brings warmth to the anthology. Despite a somewhat cinematic approach, it successfully conveys its message with charming performances and an engaging narrative.
Verdict: A heartwarming, albeit slightly melodramatic, tale of unexpected connections.
Overall Analysis
Niram Marum Ulagil is a well-intentioned film that aims to celebrate motherhood through diverse perspectives. However, its uneven execution prevents it from making a strong impact. While the film has moments of emotional depth, particularly in the third and fourth segments, the first two stories lack the intensity needed to truly move the audience.
The film’s framing device, where Yogi Babu narrates the stories to Lovelyn’s character, serves as a simple but effective tool to tie the segments together. However, the screenplay often feels inconsistent, and some stories feel rushed or underdeveloped.
The performances are a mixed bag, with Rio Raj, Adhira, and Sandy delivering notable performances, while others fail to leave a strong impression. The cinematography and background score complement the film’s emotional tone, but the pacing could have been tighter to enhance engagement.
Final Verdict
“A noble attempt at celebrating motherhood, but an uneven execution makes it a passable watch rather than a memorable one.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
