Language : Tamil
Director : S.U. Arun Kumar
Writers : S.U. Arun Kumar
Cast : Anjali Nair | Nimisha Sajayan | Siddharth | Sahasra Sree
Genre : Drama | Thriller
Streaming in Theatres Near you
Spoiler Alert: This review contains mild spoilers regarding the nature and theme of the film.
In a recent interview with Maneesh Narayanan of The Cue YouTube channel, Siddharth revealed the meticulous pre-production and writing efforts that preceded the filming of Chithha and how not a single shot was cut during the editing process. As you watch the film, the fruits of this clear-cut planning and precise execution are abundantly evident.
“Chithha” explores the sensitive issue of child abuse with a mature perspective. While other movies often focus on the pursuit of instant justice and the hunt for culprits, writer-director S.U. Arunkumar delves into the psyches of those surrounding the victim and explores the arduous journey of recovery from such a harrowing experience. The screenplay brilliantly subverts our expectations at various junctures, rendering each twist and turn equally surprising and emotionally resonant.
There are multiple brilliantly staged sequences in the film; one being an emotionally charged scene between Sidharth and his friend in front of a police station, and a top-notch pivotal mass moment (not revealing too much as it needs to be experienced firsthand) from an unlikely character that puts some of the so-called big ticket elevation scenes to shame. The cast delivers exceptional and impactful performances, with Nimisha Sajayan and Anjali Nair handling the weighty material with ease. The child actors – Sahasra Sree and Abiya Tasneem, despite the challenging nature of their roles, demonstrate remarkable talent, effectively internalizing the pain and suffering of their characters. And then there’s Siddharth, a versatile actor who seamlessly inhabits the skin of every character he portrays. Here, he navigates a spectrum of emotions, conveying the plight of Easwaran and those around him through a subtle yet deeply moving act, devoid of any melodramatic theatrics.
While the film’s pre-climax sections feel somewhat convenient, this minor flaw doesn’t diminish the overall quality. S.U Arunkumar has crafted his best work yet, showcasing the power of a refined script. Dhibu Ninan Thomas deserves praise for his soulful music and so does Vishal Chandrasekhar for his poignant score, both of which enhance the film’s emotional impact.
Chithha delivers a deeply moving and engaging narrative on a perennially relevant social issue without preaching and resorting to graphical or manipulative storytelling. It is a film that steadily earns your admiration with each passing minute. Kudos to the entire team for this exceptional and touching cinematic experience.
Trigger Warning – This film contains scenes depicting mild child abuse, which may be distressing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for individuals sensitive to such themes.
Verdict : 6/7 stars
Brilliant.
