Director Era Saravanan has joined hands with Sasikumar to come up with a relevant film on oppression of lower caste people even after they gain political power. Will this authentic documentation have the desired effect on the common viewer remains to be seen.
Story
The election for the post of Panchayat Council President is announced in Vanankankudi, Pudukottai District. Gopilingam (Balaji Sakthivel) belonging to the dominant caste in that town has been holding the position of leader for generations. Considering it as his birthright Gopilingam rules the area under the guise of being a simple and kind man. However his world turns upside down when Vanankankudi Panchayat Board is declared as a Reserve constituency and a lower caste man will be the new elect. Enraged by this, the wily Gopilingam chooses Ambedkumar (Sasikumar), a menial servant in his house to be appointed unopposed. Ambedkumar’s wife (Suruthi Periyasamy) and little son along with their impoverished relatives are delighted that he is now a leader. But alas Gopilingam utlises the poor man as a pawn and continues to behave like the real Panchayat President. When Ambedkumar shows the slightest signs of realizing his situation his master wreaks havoc on him and his colony people that ends in tragedy. Will the meek Ambedkumar rise against the all powerful antagonist and his goons or surrender meekly is what ‘Nandhan’ all about.
Acting
Sasikumar has surrendered himself to the director in bringing the dirt covered dalit man servant to life. Kudos to his dedication for going through physical humiliations that includes going naked. Even in his final uprising he is subtle driving home the point that the fight is not over. Balaji Shaktivel is terrific as the incorrigible caste upholder who will go to any lengths to hold on to his power. He is pretty effective using just minute facial expressions to convey the disgust he has for the people he hates. The ace director turned actor will surely figure in the awards lists for the year. Suruthi Periyasamy of ‘Bigg Boss’ fame has also done full justice to the role of the devoted wife and mother who has better IQ than her enslaved man. Clean performances have been extracted from most of the other cast members who are first time actors from the village itself.
Plusses
Director Era Saravanan has brought to the screen as a document the plight of those who get elected in the reserve constituencies that have been created to ensure power for the oppressed people. But in reality they are mere pawns in the hands of the dominant castes and the power is weakened. The direct testimony of the victims at the end of the film is a stark reflection of the reality. The script travels in a straight line through the panchayat election, the events that take place around it, the announcement of reserve constituencies, the abuse of the Dalit people, their innocence and loyalty to their oppressors suffering great humiliations.
There is genuine humour throughout the first half of ‘Nandhan’ when parodying contemporary political leaders and their activities that include the likes of Seeman and Vijay. It is saddening to know that the panchayat president from a lower caste cannot even hoist the independence flag thereby nullifying the belief that ‘liberation’ is possible for oppressed people when they are empowered. The first half also has some endearing scenes between Sasikumar and Suruthi Periyasamy with their son.
Minuses
However post the interval there is a bit of an overkill in underlining the same facts again and again resulting in some crucial moments being diluted. A good example is Sasikumar being pushed into a toilet and being urinated upon fails to evoke the desired effect. It is questionable why the protagonist does not register even the slightest resistance even when faced with great harm to his own family.
Technical Contributions
RV Charan’s cinematography and Nelson Antony’s editing are clean as a whistle while Ghibran Vaibodha’s background score is complimentary to the subject. The only song ‘Eki Eki Pakkura’ is pleasing to the ears as well as to watch. Era Saravanan has produced the film which has been distributed by popular production house Trident Arts. As a director Era Saravanan has come a long way from his mediocre debut ‘Udanpirappu’. He is clear on his subject and never looses focus till the very end and has also ensured that the film is sometimes entertaining and engaging in most parts.
Verdict : Nandhan, despite its flaws is definitely a film to be appreciated and is worth watching in theaters.
Rating : 3.5/5