Maamanithan movie review: This visually-pleasing Vijay Sethupathi-Seenu Ramasamy film is let down by its desire to be deep

2.5/5

Story: Maamanithan revolves around the lives of Radhakrishnan (Vijay Sethupathi) an honest auto-rickshaw driver, and his wife Savitri (Gayathrie). The film begins in Theni, travels to Kerala and ends in Kasi. Radhakrishnan leaves his family behind over a case of real estate fraud. Does he have a chance at redemption?

Review: Maamanithan, directed by Seenu Ramasamy is a homage to the legendary Ilaiyaraaja and his wife, late Jeeva. Hence, the film is set in Pannaipuram, the music composer’s hometown. Radhakrishnan (Vijay Sethupathi) is the first auto driver in the small village, which he’s damn proud about. Maamanithan opens with the visuals of a happy family laughing and eating together. Every day, Radhakrishnan visits his friend Ismail's (Guru Somasundaram) tea shop, where he buys his kids fresh eggs and fish. Casually, Radhakrishnan's daughter asks him if it's wrong to kill something to eat it. On the spot, he does not answer the question. However, the two of them head home and indulge in fish curry. That night, his daughter asks, “Tell me your story, dad.” He starts by telling about his life; how he got married, then talks about his hopes, and dreams, and so on.

Radhakrishnan tells his children that when they go through a hard time in life, they need to run, as he believes running keeps the mind fresh and allows one to think clearly. It's interesting how Radhakrishnan's words echo into the second half, and at some point, the daughter tells her father to run. In the opening portion, this small moment sets the stage for the second half, where Radhakrishnan sets off on a run. His life is full of running and he carries the burden all the way through.

Vijay Sethupathi falls into the trap of a bad guy, like how it happens in the 1994 crime drama, Mahanadhi. But, in the Kamal Haasan-starrer, the protagonist takes revenge; whereas in Maamanithan, the lead character forgives Madhavan (played by Shaji Chen), who wronged him. Why? Because Radhakrishnan is an ‘extraordinary human’. And, that's how Seenu Ramasamy has portrayed him. Take this thread in the second half, where Radhakrishnan meets a widow and her daughter. Given the same situation, in any other film, the hero would develop feelings for the other woman. In Maamanithan, Vijay Sethupathi's character doesn't do any of that. Because he's an ‘extraordinary human’. Imagine, the same guy, who's saint-like, leaving the widow and the little girl behind, all of a sudden, and going on a soul-searching trip to Varanasi! That's what was not convincing. For someone who values human relationships, this ain't easy. Rather, it shouldn't be easy.

There is a real problem with the narration style. In all the crucial moments, since the voiceover narrations happen in flashbacks, we lose out on the point of view from which the story is being told. This means that the audience is not allowed to be a part of the story directly. All we hear are second-hand experiences that are not necessarily authentic. I don't know how a deeply-wounded man transforms into a Church father and forgives the crook who wrecked him and his family. Also, I don't understand why soul-searching always implies going to Kasi, smoking ganja, and dancing with the Aghoris!

On the other hand, Savitri is in tears, not knowing what happened to her husband. She doesn't even know if Radhakrishnan was alive. But, years later, she decides to go, meet him... The moment Savitri sees him, she falls at Radhakrishnan's feet, and I don't understand why. Savitri acknowledges the man's sacrifices, and hails Radhakrishnan as an extraordinary human being; after listening to his story. Radhakrishnan isn't apologetic for leaving his family even then.

Let me tell you something here: A man, who truly loves his family, will never leave them and disappear, no matter what happens. An ‘extraordinary human being’ can still be simple and remain accessible to his family, keeping them happy. An ‘extraordinary human being’ doesn’t shy away from responsibilities and challenges. He confronts his problems bravely. And, don't necessarily run away from them.

The philosophical ruminations are great, but there’s something off about the way the story is told. Seenu Ramasamy should have cared to tell more about the story of Savitri, and that would have made more sense. In all honesty, she's the one who suffers. Instead, the focus shifts to Radhakrishnan, and his problems. Seenu Ramasamy glorifies his struggles and makes an ordinary man look extraordinary, which is morally flawed. Again, this is the stance that the filmmaker wanted to take. Otherwise, the visuals are superb in Maamanithan, and it felt like we travelled along with the characters, who we met on the screen.

Gayathrie is fantastic as Savitri, and Vijay Sethupathi sells his role to an extent. Jewel Mary and Guru Somasundaram are earnest in their acting, too.

Verdict: The runtime is agonisingly long, making one wonder if the film needed all those songs. The Vijay Sethupathi-starrer would have made for an extraordinary film, had Seenu Ramasamy shifted his focus on Savitri’s ordeals. I’m sorry I think Maamanithan is just an ordinary film that pretends to be extraordinary.