Payanigal Gavanikkavum

Payanigal Gavanikkavum

2022, Tamil

Genre: Family drama

Stars: Vidharth, Karunakaran, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, Prem Kumar

Mohan's Measure ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Okay. So I still haven't had a chance to see Vikrithi, the critically acclaimed film for which this one is a remake. But, this Tamil version can certainly seen to be on par with it.

A sometimes awkward, but always respectable plot tells us the story of Ezhilan, a hearing impaired man with speech impediment, who lives out his otherwise normal life with his wife, Tamizh, and their two kids. But trouble abounds when he is photographed by Antony, who spots him passed out on the city train. What really brought him to this state soon fades to the background when Antony, out of innocent fun, posts the photo on social media. The doom scrolling by a dopamine fixated world turns a joke into a scandal.

Mr. Vidharth goes to new heights in his portrayal of Ezhilan. There is genuine naivety and idealism in his character, which he conveys with inaudible words and sign language.

Mr. Karunakaran, however, perhaps due to the complex character he must play, comes across stifled at times, unable to fully convey the guilt and remorse that are in conflict with the fear of losing face in the eyes of his bride.

But, justice is served, in its own complex and ironic way. For while the Law may feel differently, forgiveness can be an effective punishment.