Kozhipannai Chelladurai Movie Review: Set in the working-class milieu of Theni, the film follows Chelladurai (Aegan), a hard working young man employed at his uncle Periyasamy’s (Yogi Babu) meat shop. His overprotective nature towards his college-going sister Sudha (Sathya) stems from their troubled past. The narrative takes a sharp turn when Chelladurai discovers Sudha’s budding romance with a classmate from a different background, triggering his deeply rooted fears and prejudices. What follows is Chelladurai’s journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, as he confronts his own trauma and reassesses his beliefs through unexpected encounters with his estranged parents.
Seenu Ramasamy’s direction strives for gritty realism, yet the film often stumbles into melodramatic territory. The incident sparking the parents’ separation feels more plot-convenient than believable, with the father flying into a rage at the mere hint of his wife’s interaction with a singer. Similarly, Chelladurai’s violent outburst towards his sister’s potential suitor comes off as an abrupt leap rather than a natural character progression. These rage-fueled moments, while perhaps intended to shock, instead come off as lazy storytelling shortcuts.
The pacing suffers from these sudden flare-ups. Rather than allowing tensions to build organically, we’re thrust into confrontations with a feeling of disconnect.
Aegan carries much of the film’s emotional weight, while Sathya Devi brings authenticity to her role as Chelladurai’s sister. Yogi Babu delivers his lines with characteristic flair, even if the comedic writing doesn’t always hit the mark. Brigida Saga as Thamaraiselvi rounds out the cast as Chelladurai’s unrequited lover. N. Raghunandhan’s background score offers significant moments, providing a fitting backdrop to the setting.
Kozhipannai Chelladurai is a mixed bag that falls short of its ambitions. While there are flashes of insight into the characters’ lives, the film’s narrative inconsistencies and heavy-handed approach limit its appeal. Might resonate with viewers attuned to rural dramas and class-related themes.
Written By: Abhinav Subramanian