Climaxahh Reviews: ‘Karumegangal Kalaigindrana’ – A Deep Dive into Complex Relationships
Runtime: 138 minutes
Main Cast: Bharathiraja, Yogi Babu, Aditi Balan, Gautham Vasudev Menon
Director: Thankar Bachan
When it comes to mastering the art of portraying intricate interpersonal stories, filmmaker Thankar Bachan is no stranger. His recent release, ‘Karumegangal Kalaigindrana’, unravels an earnest tale of two fathers in search of their daughters and a son aiming for redemption. As viewers dive deep into the story, it’s clear that Bachan had a distinct narrative approach in mind.
The film, with its three intertwining subplots, crafts a cinematic puzzle that only unfolds gradually. Audiences follow a 75-year-old retired judge named Ramanathan, played masterfully by Bharathiraja, as he embarks on an ambiguous journey pursued by his son, Komagan. Parallelly, Veeramani, a middle-aged man portrayed by Yogi Babu, confronts his emotional past, while a third narrative explores a woman’s mysterious backstory, set against the somber backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the story progresses, the beauty lies in Bachan’s attention to details, highlighting the nuances of each character’s dilemma. Despite the compelling premise, the screenplay tends to meander, occasionally losing its grip on the audience. Notable performances and stunning camera work by NK Ekambaram somewhat make up for these narrative hiccups.
The film’s title, translating to ‘scattering dark clouds’, epitomizes hope. Several cinematic moments, such as acts of kindness and deep-rooted emotional connections, stand out, leaving a lasting impression. However, some aspects, like the intense dialogues and melodramatic sequences, tend to overshadow these touching instances.
While the soul-stirring music by GV Prakash Kumar creates an ambiance, its placement amidst shifting subplots sometimes disrupts the mood. A controversial subplot involving the police and their actions may raise eyebrows and could arguably have been omitted for a tighter narrative.
The standout feature of ‘Karumegangal Kalaigindrana’ remains Bharathiraja’s impeccable portrayal of Ramanathan. Yet, witnessing such an exemplary performance in a movie that doesn’t always hit the mark is slightly disheartening.
Those interested in a tale of hope, redemption, and complex relationships should definitely catch ‘Karumegangal Kalaigindrana’ on the big screen.
