Oomai Vizhigal

Oomai Vizhigal (The Blind Eyes) is a groundbreaking Tamil film from the 80s, created by a group of final-year students from the Madras Film Institute. This low-budget psychological thriller became a cult classic, revolutionizing the technical and storytelling aspects of Tamil cinema.

Plot: The story follows a psychopath named PRK, who is on a killing spree with the help of a local politician and a nefarious doctor. A committed cop and journalist join forces to catch him.

Characterization: The film is noted for its refined writing and organic character development, setting it apart from the typical 80s movies filled with clichéd romance and over-the-top action. Vijayakanth shines in his role as DSP Deenadayalan, showcasing a brave and honest cop.

Cast: The actors delivered strong performances, with Vijayakanth's portrayal being particularly commendable. The absence of cringy sentiment scenes or forced romance adds to the film's appeal.

Technicalities: Technically, the movie was superior for its time, utilizing Cinemascope effectively to enhance storytelling.

Cinematography: One standout scene features a white dot emerging from darkness, revealing a long convoy of cars accompanied by a pulsating background score, highlighting director Aravindraj's exceptional camera work.

Music: The film's songs, composed by newcomers Manoj-Gyan, became evergreen hits and continue to resonate within the Tamil-speaking diaspora.

Verdict: Oomai Vizhigal is considered a cult classic that will stand the test of time.

Where to Watch: Available on SunNXT (subscription required) and YouTube (free).