Iraivi (2016): Karthik Subbaraj emerged as true gem for Indian Cinema in less time.He gave back to back critically acclaimed movies and his new movie Iraivi also got the same reception.I had huge expectations on Iraivi as I am a huge fan of Karthik Subbaraj.His movies Pizza and Jigarthanda are my favorite movies and I expected same from his Iraivi.How is it??
Plot: The story revolves around 3 men, Arul (SJ Surya), Jagan (Bobby Simha), who are brothers, and Micheal (Vijay Sethupathi) who is very close to them and considered a brother. Arul is a struggling director who becomes an alcoholic due to a fall out with his producer. This causes conflicts between him and his wife Yalini(Kamilinee Mukharjee). Jagan is a college student who frequently gets into fights and displays strong feminist views when drunk. He smuggles priceless statues every now and then, along with Micheal. Micheal, who was in a physical relationship gets married to another woman from an orthodox background. Micheal and his wife Ponni (Anjali) face conflicts due to his 'nosy' involvement in the brothers' problems. The plot unfolds as Arul's wife demands divorce, Micheal's wife becomes pregnant, and Jagan leads Micheal and a few others through another smuggling so as to obtain enough money to release Arul's film..
Plus Points:
1)Performances: Iraivi is one of the rare movies where everyone has important role to play in movie and everyone of them excelled in their respective roles.SJ Surya deserves a award as he gave brilliant performance as a struggling director who is drunkard.He shines in every scene he appears and deserves a huge applause.Vijay Sethupathi did very well as usual.Bobby Simha gave good performance and even looked handsome.From actress,both Kamilnee and Anjali gave wonderful performance.
2)Screenplay and Direction: Karthik Subbaraj deserves a special mention as he selected an entirely different theme which deals with feminism and their problems.This movie deals with men's actions affecting their wife's life.He showcased it very well with interesting scenes.Generally screenplay for these movies are hard to maintain but Karthik did splendidly well.
3)Music: Santhish Narayan never disappoints and the same happened here.He gave brilliant BGM and songs.Dhushta song is awesome and even its visual is perfect
Minus Points:
1)Many subplots: Iraivi has no specific story but it deals with lives of our lead characters.There are many subplots in this movie which is quite messy.But Karthik never let the movie become slow but this movie is not for everyone.
So Iraivi is a well crafted dark drama with brilliant performances and music and direction.
My rating 7.5/10
