Movie: Kadal Pookal

Director: Bharatiraja
Cast: Murali, Manoj K. Bharati, Uma, Pratyksha, Sindhu, Santana Bharati.

It is a film that has won the National Award for best screenplay. And a well-deserved one at that! For it is a well-crafted script, the tale well told, the narration moving smoothly, and the scenes emotion-charged. Bharatiraja shifts from his usual rural ambience, and takes a look into the life of the fisher folk. His story centres round two friends, their deep bondage, the betrayal, and final reconciliation.

Karuthayya and Peter (Murali - Manoj) are the best of friends, sharing with each other their hopes and dreams. Karuthayya's plan, to get his beloved sister Kayal (Uma) married elsewhere, is thwarted when he learns that Kayal is in love with Peter. He hears this from Uppili (Pratyksha) who has a soft corner for Karuthayya and vice versa. For his sister's sake, Karuthayya approaches Peter with the marriage proposal. A shocked Peter, who had all along shared an easy relationship with Uma, consents for the sake of friendship. Peter then makes a counter proposal - that Karuthayya marry his sister Maria. Peter however withholds the fact that Maria had been seduced by a man from the city and was carrying his child. Family honour being uppermost in his mind, friendship takes a back seat. But Peter does not know that Karuthayya was already aware of his sister's affair, though not of her pregnancy. Karuthayya knowing his friend's aggressive nature had not told Peter about the matter earlier. Karuthayya now throws the ball back in Peter's court, asking him to first get Maria's consent. Sure that Maria would not give her consent for the marriage. But to his shock Maria agrees. 

Forced by her mother and Peter to toe the line, she had no other option. The two pairs get married. While Peter and Kayal are blissfully happy, Karuthayya and Maria have their own crosses to bear. A guild-stricken Maria finally confesses to Karuthayya about Peter's treacherous act. A shocked and hurt Karuthayya goes to confront Peter. The man from the city appears on the scene. A furious Peter takes the unsuspecting youth on a boat-ride, ties a stone on him and dumps him into the sea. Karuthayya who reaches the place tries to save the guy. But in the emotion charged scene between the two friends, the city-man is forgotten. One could see him in the background trying to get back to safety and again rolling off into the water. A bit of unintended comedy!

It is an intense emotion-packed performance from Murali. A natural in front of the camera, Manoj's expressions are spontaneous, handling well the shades of negativity in the character. Uma, Pratyksha and Sindhu have done their roles well. With 'Kadal Pookkal' Bharatiraja is back in form again.