Meiyazhagan’: Karthi and Arvind Swami Shine in a Heartfelt Bromance Drama
By Pavethran Batmanathen
While many filmmakers tend to emphasize the grandeur of their story to enhance the so-called cinematic experience, C Prem Kumar stands apart as one of those rare directors who prefers to focus on the delicate, intimate moments of life.
Perhaps his background as a cinematographer informs this choice, as his scenes often resemble vivid, animated still photographs. Just like his acclaimed debut film 96, Prem’s second directorial venture, Meiyazhagan, is essentially a series of beautifully captured moments in motion.
In Meiyazhagan, Prem presents thought-provoking questions that you might have thought you already answered long ago. For instance, aside from the obvious reason, have you ever really considered why your birthplace is called your hometown? The film begins in 1996 (a nod to his previous film, perhaps not coincidentally) when a young Arunmozhi Varman, also known as Arul, experiences a deep pain that is rarely depicted on screen.
Fast forward to 2018, and Arul is now compelled to return to his homeland for his cousin’s wedding. What he anticipates as a short and swift trip to find closure becomes much more, as fate leads him to a long-lost relative (played by Karthi), whose name he frustratingly can’t recall.On a broad level, Meiyazhagan feels akin to 96. Both films predominantly take place within a single night, revolve around two individuals with a shared past, and use flashbacks to slowly unravel complex emotional knots. Yet, while 96 focused on the pain of unrequited love, Meiyazhagan is a deeper exploration of human emotions. Beyond the primary narrative of a withdrawn city man revisiting his roots with the help of a lively, well-meaning small-town relative, there are multiple elements that make this drama truly shine.To begin with, the film cleverly plays with the idea of stark contrasts. These differences are evident in the personalities of the lead characters but also in smaller, yet meaningful details—such as a photo of Periyar hanging next to a portrait of Lord Murugan, or the stories behind the two protagonists’ respective houses. Prem’s masterful setups and their eventual payoffs are highly rewarding. A subplot revolving around a bicycle subtly illustrates how one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure, while smaller details like a recurring temple elephant or an amusing episode involving the two leads accidentally swapping slippers add depth and charm to the film.When Prem isn’t turning his screenplay into visual poetry through his lead actors, he allows the supporting characters to fill the frame with their own stories. While Arvind Swami and Karthi are undoubtedly the central figures, the supporting cast, though given relatively minor roles, is written with enough complexity to spark discussions. The interactions between these characters feel genuine, enhanced by Prem’s choice to linger in the quiet moments. In one memorable scene, a distant relative shares with Arul how her life could have been different had he married her, casually brushing her hand against his shoulder as she walks away. In another, Arul’s father (played by Jayaprakash) and his relative Sokku (Rajkiran) share a conversation that leaves both men emotionally overwhelmed. Through these moments, Prem showcases his talent for highlighting the subtle complexities of interpersonal relationships.What sets Meiyazhagan apart is how it avoids melodrama, even when dealing with deeply raw emotions. Of course, there are a few missteps here and there. For example, a scene during a wedding reception where a group of onlookers is moved to tears by the events on stage, while one of the film’s best moments, feels slightly out of place. However, these small imperfections do little to detract from the film’s overall impact. They’re like sandcastles in front of the majestic Cauvery River, which serves as a metaphorical backdrop for much of the story. And speaking of Ponni nadhi, watching an enthusiastic Karthi hanging around with an Arulmozhi Varman feels like it could form the basis of a whole new sub-genre in Tamil cinema!The growing relationship between Arvind Swami’s and Karthi’s characters is a highlight of the film, and it’s a joy to watch it blossom into something truly special. Not only do these two actors portray characters that forge an unexpected bond, but this film arguably represents Arvind Swami’s finest performance to date. At the same time, it reintroduces audiences to the mischievous, carefree Karthi we loved in his earlier films. Karthi’s unnamed character brings an innocent charm and playful nature, while Arul’s initial irritation towards him gradually transforms into affection. In creating this dynamic, Prem not only delivers one of 2024’s standout films but also provides an opportunity for these two talented actors to deliver career-defining performances. The film’s stunning visuals, courtesy of cinematographer Mahendiran Jayaraju, and a hauntingly beautiful score by Govind Vasantha, with Kamal Haasan lending his voice to the poignant song “Yaaro Ivan Yaaro,” serve as the icing on the cake.That being said, it’s understandable if Meiyazhagan doesn’t resonate with audiences in the same way 96 did. The film’s ending, while satisfying, is somewhat predictable, and at nearly three hours long, the narrative occasionally feels stretched beyond necessity. Yet, these shortcomings don’t overshadow the fact that Meiyazhagan is a deeply thoughtful character study, brought to life by remarkable performances. For that reason alone, Meiyazhagan lives up to its name in every sense.
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