‘Naachiyar’: A tough police officer gets justice for a young man implicated in the rape of a minor

By Mythily Ramachandran

Tamil director Bala’s new film, ‘Naachiyaar’ is a clear departure from his earlier films that were synonymous with tragedy. It’s a solid film that bolsters its innately compelling narrative with stand -out performances by the three lead actors- Jyotika in the titular role of a no nonsense police officer Naachiyar; G.V. Prakash a poor fruit vendor Kaathu, who is framed in the rape of minor and newcomer Ivana as Arasi, a domestic maid in love with Kaathu. And, this love story told against a police investigation leaves you smiling- a first with a Bala film.   

‘Naachiyar’ though pegged around lovers Kaathu and Arasi, also dwells on the career of an upright and tough police officer, Naachiyar, who does not rest until justice is done to Arasi.

The love story of Arasi and Kaathu is set rolling with a  ten rupee note that Arasi owes Kaathu during an auto ride. Their subsequent meetings are told humorously as Bala builds the relationship between the two teenagers. One thing leads to another and Arasi is pregnant.

Nachiyaar is a much dreaded police officer known for her tough handling of culprits. But inside this mother of two girls, there lurks a compassionate woman who begins to care for Arasi. Unrelenting in her search for the man responsible for Arasi’s condition, Jyotika strides tall as Nachiyar. Holding back no punches, it’s a power packed performance that Jyotika delivers.    

Music composer turned actor G.V. Prakash who started his acting career as the jilted lover in ‘Darling’ is barely recognisable. Under director Bala, Prakash putty like transforms completely into the simpleton that Kaathu is. With this role that is far away from his earlier lover boy characters, Prakash raises the bar for himself with a breakout performance. He completely owns Kaathu.

New comer Ivana plays the perfect tango to Prakash. Pregnant with a child, her Arasi comes with a playful  streak and a maturity in which Kaathu finds compassion. Good humour accompanies the scenes between Kaathu and Arasi and generates a nice onscreen chemistry-the tenderness in their love is tangible almost. 

Interwoven into this investigation are few nice moments, like the Muslim wedding scenes. The supporting cast deserves mention-producer cum actor Rockline Venkatesh plays Naachiyaar’s colleague; the young actors playing the juvenile criminals who bully Kaathu at the remand home show talent and the actor playing Kaathu is not easily forgotten.

This Bala film clearly wins with a magnanimous lesson on true love.