A Tale of Morality and Struggles – Thiru.Manickam Movie Review

Thiru.Manickam, directed by Nandha Periyasamy, is a family drama rooted in emotional storytelling and set against the picturesque yet tumultuous backdrop of the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. With its engaging narrative and heartfelt performances, the film delves into the moral dilemmas of an ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances.

Samuthirakani stars as the protagonist, a humble lottery ticket vendor living with his wife Ananya and their two children. Financial struggles force him to borrow money from a ruthless police inspector, further intensifying the family’s woes.

The turning point comes when an elderly man (played by veteran Bharathiraja) visits the shop, selects a few lottery tickets, but realizes he’s lost the money to pay for them. Trusting Samuthirakani, he requests the tickets be kept aside until he can return with the payment.

Soon after, Samuthirakani learns that one of those lottery tickets has won the jackpot—₹1.5 crores. Torn between his moral compass and the financial pressures imposed by his wife and extended family, Samuthirakani decides to do what he believes is right: return the ticket to its rightful owner. What follows is a suspenseful journey, with his family and the greedy police inspector hot on his trail, vying to seize the winning ticket.

The climax hinges on whether Samuthirakani manages to find the old man and uphold his principles amidst mounting challenges.

Samuthirakani delivers a subtle and compelling performance as a man caught between morality and necessity. Bharathiraja shines in his role as the wise and humble old man, while Ananya, Ilavarasu, and the rest of the supporting cast effectively portray their characters. However, Thambi Ramiah’s portrayal of a “London-returned” character felt forced, with his exaggerated humor and awkward dialogue delivery detracting from the overall tone.

Vishal Chandrashekar’s music compositions, paired with lyrics by Snehan, Raju Murugan, Ilango Krishnan, and Sorko, complement the emotional depth of the storyline. Cinematographer Sukumar.M’s visuals beautifully capture the border’s rustic charm and serve as the backbone of the film. Guna’s crisp editing keeps the narrative engaging, ensuring the film doesn’t drag.

Director Nandha Periyasamy crafts a compelling narrative with relatable characters and a strong moral message. However, Thiru.Manickam struggles to distance itself from comparisons to Bumper, a film with a similar premise. Despite this, the execution and performances elevate the storytelling.

Thiru.Manickam is an emotional rollercoaster that explores the complexity of human conscience and family values. While it has its flaws, the film offers a thought-provoking take on morality and integrity.

Thiru.Manickam is recommended for viewers who appreciate heartfelt family dramas with a touch of suspense.

Rating: 3/5

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