Review: Puriyaadha Pudhir (2017)

The debut venture of Ranjit Jeyakodi, “Puriyaadha Pudhir,” takes a gripping start with a woman’s dramatic leap from a building. Despite the initial semblance of a typical romance involving Kathir (Vijay Sethupathi) and Meera (Gayathrie), the narrative takes an unexpected turn.

Cyber-Bullying Unleashed: An Ominous Threat Emerges

Kathir’s friends fall prey to a cyber-bully, exposing their private moments. When Meera becomes the target of disturbing videos, the film shifts to a menacing tone. Cinematographer Dinesh Krishnan captures the tangible threat, infusing a sense of dread, emphasizing a real, human menace rather than the supernatural.

Romance in a Familiar Vein: Clichés Wrapped in Sethupathi’s Charm

The romance between Kathir and Meera follows a well-worn template. Sethupathi’s stellar performance contrasts with Gayathrie’s somewhat restrained emotional expression. Despite the clichés, their relationship unfolds with a few notable moments, such as the poignant visit to the police station.

Law Enforcement Irony: A Helpless Pursuit of Justice

A compelling scene unfolds as Kathir seeks help from the police, highlighting the ironic requirement of compromising evidence to address the crime. The film skillfully delves into the perversions within law enforcement. Another impactful moment occurs when Kathir is coerced into a public act during heavy rain, orchestrated by the online blackmailer.

Intriguing Elements and Interval Block: Peaks of Engagement

While the film maintains its watchability with impressive music and background scores by CS Sam, the big reveal occurs prematurely through a predictable flashback revealed via a diary. Ramesh Thilak’s character feels disconnected, seemingly inserted to mislead the audience. The film’s leakages, particularly in linking past and present, could benefit from refinement.

Lens: A Recommendation and Final Thoughts

The narrative remains intriguing for its 1h 55-minute duration, though it struggles to seamlessly connect past and present. Despite its shortcomings, “Puriyaadha Pudhir” stands as a commendable watch, with aspects that could be addressed for a more refined storytelling approach. For those interested in the theme of voyeurism, the suggestion of another film, ‘Lens,’ executed in a less commercial manner, is made for a more immersive exploration of the concept.

Verdict: Needed a better climax and overall packaging!