Edhiri Review (Navarasa): Earnest performances from Prakash Raj, Revathy and Vijay Sethupathi make it a one-time watch

The reason why many film buffs were eager to watch Bejoy Nambiar's Edhiri first in the series is because of the powerful performers it features. Prakash Raj, Revathy and Vijay Sethupathi are actors who can help even a badly made film bearable with their acts. So, when the trio comes together for a short, which focuses on the rasa 'compassion', with its story written by none other than Mani Ratnam and Sethupathi coming on board as one of the dialogue writers, it is natural for the viewers to pin high hopes on it. Ashok Selvan, one of the talented youngsters in Tamil industry, is another addition to the cast. 

What works in Edhiri?

Sethupathi's Dheena, who commits a murder, seeks redemption from the wife of the man he had finished off. The plot looks tailor-made to play up the element of compassion, and all the actors have done justice to what is expected from them. In fact, the complex scenario in the short is a cakewalk for the trio who has pulled off varied spectacular performances in the past. Prakash Raj's character, who plays the dead man, which later turns into the subconscious mind of Sethupathi's character, entertains with his subtle performance. The climax sequence, involving an emotional Revathy and forgiveness-seeking Sethupathi, goes on to prove yet again why they are regarded as exceptional actors.   

What doesn't work in Edhiri?

The staging appears familiar as we have seen similar scenarios in other films. The situations pose no big challenge to talented artists who have excelled in more complex roles in the past. In fact, Sethupathi himself has portrayed a similar character in Karthik Subbaraj's Iraivi. The dialogue Revathy utters in the climax deserves mention, but since the short is based on compassion, the ending becomes predictable which spoils the overall essence. Moreover, the fact that the couple, played by Prakash Raj and Revathy, aren't on talking terms dilute the equation between, which makes it difficult for the viewers to empathise with their plight.