PremiumKazhuvethi Moorkkan Review: This Arulnithi-starrer had the potential to strike a chord, but is let down by mediocre writing
Director Sy Gowthamraj is made with the right intentions but falters in its execution
Last Updated: 05.02 PM, Jun 23, 2023
Story: Two men from different communities are best friends, but are polar opposite in their characters. But when they are pitted against each other, things take an awry turn.
Review: In the introduction scene of Kazhuvethi Moorkkan, the audience is introduced to a practice where people who are in the wrong are impaled through a spire. This sort of gives away what one can expect in the film and a couple of scenes in the film, too, show the 'ritual' being practised.
Director Sy Gowthamraj's film delves into the deep-rooted caste system prevailing in rural Tamil Nadu. "Saathi is bigger than Saami (Caste is bigger than god)," say villagers belonging to the dominant caste. But Bhoominathan (Vasanth Ravi) and Moorkkan (Arulnithi) defy the system and go on to become best friends. While an educated Bhoomi belongs to an oppressed community and works for the upliftment of the marginalised, Moorrkkan is a hot-headed ruffian, who always stands up for his friend.
The caste system runs the show in this village in Paramakudi. There are a couple of scenes that stand testimony to the same. For instance, when Bhoomi points out that one needs to belong to a particular caste to even grow a moustache like Moorrkkan. Likewise, when Moorkkan has a face-off with a security guard at a bank, the moustache of the old man becomes a talking point.
The film also reflects how there is discrimination among the oppressed communities as well. When a young woman brings food for Bhoomi, she asks if he would even consume the food brought by her. In one of the last few scenes, Moorrkan throws light on the same fact and states while people may think that they are standing atop someone, there are others who claim and regale that the same people are under them.
Gowthamraj's film could have been an interesting watch had the film had an interesting screenplay and narration. At many instances, the story doesn't flow smoothly and is marred by many melodramatic scenes. Friends being pitted against each other is something that we have witnessed in a dozen projects. And Kazhuverthi Moorkkan has nothing new to offer.
Even the protagonist Moorrkkan's character could have been etched in a much better way instead of just being there for his friend. Similarly, Bhoomi's character, too, lacks freshness. The romantic scenes between Kavitha (Dushara Vijayan) and Moorrkan do not add any value to the story and only stick out like a sore thumb. Despite all the three actors pulling off their characters well, none of them leave a lasting impact.
Similarly, the character of Unmai (Munishkanth), too could have been given a better treatment considering the character had a lot more potential.
As for the technical aspects, the music of the film comes across as jarring and editing is majorly choppy. Kazhuvethi Moorkkan is a film that's good on paper, but as far as its execution goes, it falters big time!
Verdict: This Arulnithi film could have had a lasting impact but is let down by mediocre writing