‘Bakrid’ a heart- warming tale of man and animal bond

By Mythily Ramachandran

Not every director conceives of a film centered around a man-animal relationship. Jagadeesan Subu who debuted with the sensitively told ‘Sigai’ –a crime thriller -returns with ‘Bakrid.’ This simple story of a man’s compassion for his camel wins hearts. Subu’s courage and self-confidence is commendable for making a film that does not tick the boxes of a regular formula film. 

Rathinam (Vikranth)- a farmer’s son- after winning a legal tussle with his older brother over their family land is eager to build back the land his father has left him. When a bank loan takes time in coming through, he seeks the assistance of a Muslim money-lender for funds. 

What catches his eye at the money-lender’s home is a young camel that has been brought to Chennai from Rajasthan. Rathinam, a father of a little girl brings it home and raises it. His daughter christens it Sarah and the young camel is welcomed into the family lovingly.

One day Sarah falls ill. The veterinary doctor points out that her loose system was caused by the food given at Rathinam’s home. This animal, a native of Rajasthan was not used to the food of Tamilians. When Rathinam realizes that Sarah’s life is endangered due to her diet, he decides to send her back to Rajasthan. He seeks help from a lorry driver, Veerender (Rohit Pathak) who agrees to transport the camel to Rajasthan for a fee.

‘Bakrid’ follows Rathinam and Sarah on their road trip from Chennai to Rajasthan. Though the pace of the narration is slow and the loud background music interferes in the telling, it is Vikranth who holds the story up with his subtle performance. Taking a break from the regular roles he plays a loving father and a conscientious farmer with a love for the land and Nature. Vasundhara as his onscreen wife Geeta is spontaneous. Child actor Vasuki is cute. Rohit Pathak the villain of ‘Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru’ reveals a different side to him as a truck driver- Veerender.

Subu shot live with three camels that were brought to Chennai from Rajasthan. Besides writing the script and directing the film, this former cinematographer has handled the camera himself.  

‘Bakrid’ is a story for every animal lover. Without being preachy, Subu’ conveys a relevant message. Watch ‘Bakrid’ with the family.

‘Nerkonda Paarvai lives up to the original ‘Pink’

By Mythily Ramachandran

‘No’ means ‘No’-exactly that. This single word does not require more explanation, says lawyer Bharath Subramaniam (Ajith) in Tamil film, ‘Nerkonda Paarvai,’ the official remake of Hindi film, ‘Pink.’
‘It does not matter who it is-she could be your girl-friend, lover or wife, but when she says No, you got to stop,’ emphasizes the lawyer with a shock of white hair.

Directed by H. Vinoth, this social drama rings loud the message of consent, a relatively new word in Indian society that rides on the saddle of male chauvinism and has been taking women for granted.

Director H. Vinoth on the sets with Ajith

 
‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ speaks out for women with this small word that gives her the power to protect herself and to be in her space with a choice. And, when a mass hero like Ajith with a large fan following delivers this message, it surely helps.

Vinoth’s script is well written, retaining entirely the soul of the original and brilliantly executed by a team that scores high on performances. Poignant moments leave you misty eyed; -a father watching his daughter’s personal life laid thread bare as she fights in court, friends holding hands together despite knowing that they stand little chance in a world dominated by men and clout and an aging lawyer’s fight for justice.

                         Andrea, Abhirami and Shraddha Srinath 

‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ is a faithful remake of ‘Pink’ with small changes. While ‘Pink’ opened with an accident that left a young man bleeding severely, ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ begins with a rock concert. The protagonist Meera Krishnan (Shraddha Srinath) is one of the dancers and after the evening is over, she and her two friends, Famitha Banu (Abhirami Venkatachalam) and Andrea (Andrea Tariang) join a group of young men for dinner. Over a few drinks, trouble brews turning over the lives of the three young women. And, the three ordinary working women find themselves charged with prostitution and murder. They become targets of a bruised male ego and brought into court by the men who have political clout.

‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ rests on the collective gaze of Indian society where a woman is judged always. And, that rules are different for men and women is laid open in a court room.

‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ takes the story of ‘Pink’ a notch higher. 

Ajith as an aged lawyer with a bi-polar disorder- shines in a role that is completely different from earlier films. His acting is subdued and he does not deliver the regular punch lines. However, the makers could not resist the temptation to show his mass image. And, that brings us to the scene where he single-handedly bashes up dozen men. But this  interruption does not steer the story away from its track. While Bharath’s past with his wife (Vidya Balan) brought in relief from the tension of court room drama, it got a bit too stretched with a song sequence.

Shraddha Srinath tackles a wide gamut of emotions as Meera Krishnan. She is Meera in every frame exposing the vulnerability and helplessness of a woman wronged. Srinath is terrific and her scenes are intense leaving you misty eyed.

Abhirami Venkatachalam is Famitha, the mature one in the group. She carries a look of concern and anxiety all the time. Venkatachalam stuns you in the court-room, when her Famitha eventually caves in to the verbal torment of the opposing lawyer. That was another unforgettable scene. Andrea reprising her role from ‘Pink’ is wonderful. 

Surprising everyone on debut is Rangaraj Pandey. He plays Satyamoorthy, the opposing lawyer with a smug look on his face and a cocky grin surfacing now and then. Arjun Chidambaram effectively brought out male chauvinism as Adhik Ravichandran, the man who refused to understand Meera Krishnan’s  ‘No.’

‘Nerkonda Paarvai’ is also about friends bonding together, about right winning over wrong and about empathy for our loved ones.
Even if you have watched ‘Pink’ this remake is still worth a watch.