Navya Nair starrer ‘Oruthi’ directed by VK Prakash can be described as ‘Thee’. Radhamani is one of the women we see around us. But she has the fire to fight any situation. Or the situation spreads that fire in her. In its power she struggles with crises. That view is one.
Radhamani (Navyanayar) is the boat ticket collector of Kerala State Water Transport. Her husband Sreekumar (Saiju Kurup) is a graphic designer in the Gulf. Radhamani is survived by her two children and her husband’s mother. Happy and peaceful life despite financial difficulties. A middle class family moving forward with the dream of a new home. Meanwhile, her husband loses his job in the Gulf. Sreekumar is trying to find another job from there. But a small accident to her daughter pushes Radhamani into financial crisis. Radhamani realizes that the attempt to solve this problem has been deceived. Attempts to get her out of it lead her to more conflicts.
Although the main story is about Radhamani and her family trying to get out of the trap, the director has tried to add many other things to the film beyond that. A situation where democracy is a commodity, justice is denied to the common man and those in power can do anything. Radhamani’s life is about running for her family against the backdrop of resort politics worth millions to MLs. Therefore, the film opens up the possibility of imagining Radhamani as a representative not only of women but also of citizens.
The highlight of the film is the performance of Navya Nair. Navya returned to Malayalam after a gap of 10 years. Navya was able to captivate Radhamani’s conflict, helplessness and struggle with her effortless acting that made the audience think that someone else could do it. Malayalam cinema audiences can also rejoice and applaud this arrival. Because it is certain that more great moments of admiration will be bestowed on Malayalam cinema.
Vinayakan’s performance as SI Antony also deserves special praise. Anthony is rough. But he knows the pain of his companions. He is disturbed by the rule of law and the fact that escorts have to go when democracy is a commodity. Vinayakan portrayed such a complex character with realism. Saiju Kurup, Santosh, KPAC Lalitha and Mukundan have also done well.
The anxiety that fills the audience while traveling with Radhamani is a testament to the excellence of director VK Prakash. The story is not unpredictable but ordinary events. The director’s skill and experience show that he was able to fill the minds of the audience with conflict without much fuss, without bloodshed or beatings. Suresh Babu’s screenplay is also inspired by the real story. The songs illuminate the film. They are used to convey ideas, not to enjoy. The music is by Gopi Sundar.
This is not a movie that women should definitely watch, it is a movie that everyone should watch. Because you know Radhamani. You will understand Radhamani’s condition. It can be experienced.