One film that has been making noise on social media for the past few days is Dhanush’s “Karnan”, which hit the screens in Tamilnadu last month and won critical and commercial success.
Currently, “Karnan” is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Brilliantly directed by Mari Selvaraj, “Karnan” is all about the revolt against the oppressor by the oppressed, but it goes beyond the surface and delves deeper into caste exploitation.
In a way, it is Mari Selvaraj’s “RRR” - resist (the injustices), revolt (against the oppressive system), and rise.
The film is rich in metaphors, mythical references. In the ‘Mahabharata’, Karna, the son of Kunti and Surya, sides with Kaurvas. In this film, Karnan, played by Dhanush, also is a warrior who can handle a sword.
In Mahabharat’s Kurukshetra, the fight was about Pandavas fighting against the Kauravas for their lands. Here, Karna fights for his village.
The hamlet he lives in is a wasteland. Many years ago, Dalits settled in Podiyamkulam in the southern part of Tamilnadu. But the settlement is not recognized as a village by the government, the residents are demanding a bus stop for their hamlet for a long time.
Melur, a village which is situated right opposite this hamlet has the bus stop and the villagers of Melur (obviously the upper caste folks) ill-treat the people of Podiyamkulam and humiliate them.
Karna, who is seething anger, is the savior of Podiyamkulam, he finally revolts.
As a plot, it may seem like a familiar story of rebellion against oppression. But the beauty lies in Mari Selvaraj’s hard-hitting narration, layered with subtext.
The first half of the film focuses on the village life, regular scenes, it is the second half that has some terrific moments. It is a slow-paced movie, and it engages you till the end.
Dhanush has given yet another terrific performance. He effortlessly switches into the character. Lal comes up riveting act as well. The film has many haunting images.
Bottom-line: Watch it. Karnan is a deeply affecting film aided with superlative performances.
