Dharma Durai

My review: Dharma Durai

Seenu Ramasamy is known for movies with solid screenplay and seamless narration. His previous release "Neerparavai" is one of my favourite movies of all time. But his latest release "Dharma Durai" is just an average fare. Movie doesn't have a solid screenplay and the seamlessness of the narration is missing this time. But that is the offshoot of the story-line which traces the life of a doctor from his time at college through his engagement, tragedy, getting into alcohol addiction and finally his redemption. Hence the screenplay is just a compilation of various incidents that happens that timeline of his life. 

But the amount of homework and research that Seenu seemed to have done in "Neerparavai" is missing this time around. In "Neerparavai" he came up with authentic portrayal of alcohol addiction as an illness may be for the first time as far my knowledge is concerned. But sadly here where he has again dealt with alcoholism for a major chunk of the movie, the things are loose. I had always wondered what prevents the director in consulting a medical student or a professional about their course, books, etc. Here we have the 2nd year students in the dissection class of Anatomy, a pathology professor performing surgery, an important character who introduces himself Dr So-and-So, MS,MD !!! 

Vijay Sethupathy is terrific once again. Watch out for that scene where he seethes with rage mixed with grief going after his brothers. Tamanna and Aishwarya Rajesh are excellent while Shrusti Dange is below average. Seenu Ramasamy always comes out with a strong mother character and this time Raadhika Sarathkumar aces the role with aplomb. The support cast lend admirable support. M.S.Baskar is terrific in the role of a poor father. Wonder why this powerhouse of talent is not used properly in Tamil cinema.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score is good while none of the songs passes muster. Technically the movie is average, 

On the whole, one can't but help getting reminded of Vikraman movie's of the 90's, the trope of which this movie astutely follows minus overt melodrama and climax sermons replete with analogies. 

Bottomline: Letdown from Seenu Ramasamy

2.5/5