Ayōthi - Râmasêthu

Ayothi

Hindi and Tamil, 2023

Director- R.Manthira Moorthy

Cast- Sasi Kumar, Yashpal Sharma, Preethi Asrani, Anju Asrani, Pugazh, Master Advaith

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In my many years of fascination with culture, mythology, and religion, I have been largely the ignorant American Joe looking in, an outsider trying to take it all in without letting it me get too confused. But people would know I'd be lying if I didn't have a favorite, one that I would jump into feet first and ready to run. This is the unique outlook of the Tamil everyman. Neither zealous nor atheist, the values of ancient Tamil culture suggest that the true goal of life, the true way to know the Sacred, is in being of use to others. To give without expectation of personal reward, sometimes to total strangers, is the ideals outlined in the Thirukkural's "ârațțapâl, “ and it is brought in this charming adaptation of a an actual event. 

Many among us will look upon all the altruism offered, particularly to strangers, as exaggeration. I would to, had it not been for the fact I have experienced personally, to the level I long to emulate it. 

Mr. Sasi Kumar emulates it perfectly , as a human being, undoubtedly with his own struggles and vices.  But, all are put aside to help a family in times of tragedy, doing it the way of real life heroes, doing the best he can, with times of doubt and times of hope. 

Playing opposite him, Mr. Sharma perhaps overplays his part. But he is countered by the educated and logical daughter, Shivani, who is played quite well by Ms. Asrani. 

Language, caste, race, ethnicity, all divide us, but the heart knows no bounds, and is the bridge which connects us to true happiness. If only we are willing to cultivate it. 

“manithan enbavan, dêívam âgalam..."