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Chithha (2023)

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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.

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Language : Tamil 

Director : S.U. Arun Kumar

Writers : S.U. Arun Kumar

Cast : Anjali Nair | Nimisha Sajayan | Siddharth | Sahasra Sree

Genre : Drama | Thriller

Imdb: Chittha (2023)

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.

 
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Ananth Krishnan

Consultant by profession and a hardcore cinephile by heart, Ananth was always into movies right from a very young age and started analysing the nuances. He developed a passion for reviewing films later and idolises Baradwaj Rangan whom he considers a critic god. If not watching and writing about films he likes discussing and debating about films with his friends and close ones. He also loves public speaking, debating and cricket.

You can follow him on Instagram @_ananthkrishnan_.

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