Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)

English translation: A kiss on the cheek

Director: Mani Ratnam

Story: Mani Ratnam

Cast: R. Madhavan, Simran, P.S. Keerthana

Music: A.R. Rahman

Time: 137 minutes

Bottom-line: One of the best family dramas ever made

Mani Ratnam’s drama Kannathil Muthamittal is one of a kind. While it may not be a classic like Ratnam’s Roja, Nayakan or even Iruvar, it is arguably the most moving film he has made. The film stars R. Madhavan (in probably his first film as a non-romantic hero), Simran and P.S. Keerthana in the lead roles, with Delhi Kumar, Nandita Das and Prakash Raj in the supporting roles. It went on to win 6 National Awards, the most for any Tamil film (equalled later in 2011 by Aadukalam).

Mankulam, Sri Lanka: Shyama (Das) and Dileepan (J.D Chakravarthy) are newly-weds, part of the Tamil Tiger rebel association. Dileepan suggests that they not have a baby till peace settles over Sri Lanka, a land troubled by conflict during the civil war. Shyama realises she is already pregnant and goes along with other refugees to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where she gives birth. The scene shifts to Chennai, where Amudha (Keerthana) is celebrating her 9^th birthday. On that day, her (new) parents: Thiruchelvan (Madhavan) and Indira (Simran) break the news that she was adopted. A shocked Amudha runs away in search of her biological mother, Shyama. Worried about her safety, Thiruchelvan and Indira decide to go to Sri Lanka, to look for Shyama.

 

Madhavan as Thiruchelvan, Keerthana as Amudha, and
Simran as Indira

This is a story where Ratnam plays around with your feelings... a lot! From the melodious song Vellai Pookal played during the title sequence, that talks about bringing peace to the troubled land (with beautiful, heart-warming lyrics by Vairamuthu), to the last scene of the film, one gets a myriad of emotions flowing through them. This is one of the best films to show the value of a family. How does a child react when she realises she isn’t part of the family? How do the siblings react? How does the mother feel when her adopted daughter starts distancing her and even runs away in search of her true mother?

The backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war sets the basis of the plot, in the sense that it is the whole reason Amudha was left by Shyama in an orphanage, the reason Thiruchelvan and Indira got married… and of course, to add to the drama. The theme of sacrifice is also explored: the sacrifices a mother, father and a friend (Prakash Raj’s role) made just to give Amudha her one wish. Simran’s acting is superb. In several scenes, her expressions are so complex yet elegant, especially where Amudha starts to disobey and distance her, the scene in the station when they find Amudha after she runs away, as Indira debates internally whether to admonish or pamper her daughter, and towards the end, when they do meet Shyama.

P.S. Keerthana won the National Award for Best Child Actor, and it is well deserved too. Again, there are numerous scenes where she excels and displays a maturity in acting far beyond her age. Seeing her acting in the climax will melt your heart. If there is one reason why you should watch the film, it would be to see Keerthana’s performance. Prakash Raj and Nandita Das play effective cameo roles as well. That said, the background score, songs, acting, and the heart-warming story make Kannathil Muthamittal a movie that will have an impact on you and keep playing in your mind for a long time.

My Rating: 4.5/5