‘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.

'Sigai’ a Tamil whodunit thriller

By Mythily Ramachandran

The first original Tamil feature film on ZEE5 directed by Jagadeesan Subbu has actor Kathir in a never before seen role

With theaters unable to meet the increasing number of films clamouring for space, digital space is opening new doors. Tamil film ‘Sigai’ released online in January 2019. 

‘Sigai’ follows the life of Nimmi, a call-girl, whose sudden disappearance at a client’s home sends Prasad, her pimp investigating.  

Directed by debutant Jagadeesan Subbu, this crime thriller carries within its narrative, a sensitive tale about inclusion of every human being irrespective of who they are.  

Prasad (Raj Bharath) is not the regular pimp portrayed in cinema. His language is neither crass nor humiliating of the women, he sends out on work. And his prostitutes are not garishly dressed. Surprisingly Prasad comes across as a compassionate human being who feels for his women team. So when Nimmi (Meera Nair) fails to report at her client’s place the next day, after visiting Prasad’s client the night before, he decides to enquire about her whereabouts. And, he stumbles upon a murder. Revealing beyond will be a spoiler.

‘Sigai’ takes a while in the first half, introducing us to its different characters. Post interval, with the entry of the London returned Mathivanan-the dead man’s friend-the story gets intriguing. Kathir, a good performer and still basking in the success of his last film-‘Pariyerum Perumal’lends a poignancy to his life as Mathivanan. It’s a subtle performance there.  

Director Subbu is to be hailed for choosing a story that embraces a social message like this one on his debut. I only wish he had invested some more on telling Mathivanan’s background story. Navin Kumar camera work is remarkable.