After Dora, here comes yet another flick, Aramm, which has Nayanthara as the protagonist directed by Gopi Nainar. With a script that demands tremendous performances and a gripping screenplay, have director Gopi Nainar, Nayanthara and team managed to create the impact intended? Read further.
Aramm basically talks about a small village in Tamil Nadu called Kattoor and the problems that people in the village face. But that is not all. The very beginning of the film introduces us to four important characters who form the base for the entire story. Right from their introduction and through their travel in the first half, director Gopi ensures to establish all forms of pillars that hold emotions, which if broken later during the course of the movie, would kindle the emotions of the audience.
Nayanthara plays a district collector who is very righteous and just. Her struggle though isn’t the core plot of the film. The four characters including a family are the USP and form the crux of Aramm. Sunu Lakshmi who plays the mother has pulled off an extraordinary performance and Ramachandran Durairaj as the father is seen in a very different role. Apart from their top performances, boy who plays their son has emoted well too and carry the intensity forward.
Nayanthara scores well with her crisp dialogues and her acting is near perfect for this film that touches upon social issues. Her grace in a couple of scenes, create some high moments and 'massy' moments as well. Almost most of the supporting cast have managed to do fair justice to their roles.
Music director Ghibran’s work is of utmost importance in a script that is completely based on emotions and naturally shot scenes. He proves his worth and stands out as a seasoned musician with his BGM scoring big time.
Cinematography by Om Prakash and editing by Ruben channelise the film’s intention in the right direction and the entire tone of the film is set to give the audience the feeling that the village Kattoor, lacks the basic necessity water.
The movie is a tad bit preachy in parts, but this might rattle those engrossed in the main mission of the film, which happens to be an essential rescue plan. In fact, the water scarcity issue only adds on to this main issue, which has been given most importance. An important portion in the last quarter of the film could create a sense of patriotism in some of the audience.
Media’s interference has been highlighted in certain scenes. Some sequences that involve the TV discussion on the crucial issue, interrupt the audience’s attention. In fact, these TV discussion scenes might seem draggy for a major lot and could have been trimmed a little to tighten the screws.
Director Gopi seems to have managed to move the audience with his storytelling. Right from the shot selection in the first half that creates the ‘bring back moments’ in the second half, Gopi's work is impressive. This indeed is proof of his thoughtful and sensible direction skills.
In certain places, a section of the audience might find Aramm a tad bit slow/draggy, but this editing pattern works fine for this genre and we cannot expect fast cuts or unwanted commercial elements in this kind of a film. Aramm might not be high on entertainment but engages pretty well throughout. Most of the scenes are dialogue driven and this could also seem a little sluggish for a certain section of the audience.
Overall, the film definitely has a fine story to tell and is not just lessons for the audience all the way. Nayanthara shines in this well written, social issue addressing-drama film and Aramm is definitely worth the watch for the numerous emotional moments that would leave you satisfied with its strong content.
