The opening stretch of “Raghu Thatha” transports the audience back to the 1960s, immediately immersing viewers into the socio-political climate of the era. The film begins with newspaper clippings from this tumultuous period, highlighting critical issues like anti-Hindi slogans and protests that were rampant in Tamil Nadu, a state vehemently opposed to the imposition of Hindi. During this era, Indira Gandhi rose to prominence as the first woman Prime Minister of India, an event that, ideally, should have bolstered the confidence and freedom of women across the country.
However, this wave of change does not seem to touch Kayalvizhi (played compellingly by Keerthy Suresh), who grows up in the small village of Valluvanpettai in Tamil Nadu. The first glimpse of Kayalvizhi is a rebellious one; she’s seen wearing a shirt, and when her mother reprimands her to dress properly, she responds defiantly, “Ponna adakamalan iruka mudiyathu” (“I’m not interested in being a proper lady”). Her retort is immediate and firm, signaling her refusal to conform to societal expectations, a sentiment she expresses repeatedly throughout the film.
This streak of rebellion is not limited to her private life; it extends to her public persona as well. Kayalvizhi becomes a leading voice in the anti-Hindi protests in her village, a stance that causes a local Hindi prachar sabha to shut down, stirring discontent among some factions. Her defiance is seen again when she receives a marriage proposal she has no interest in. Kayalvizhi doesn’t hesitate to threaten the boy’s father with, “Mandaya odachuduven” (“I’ll crack your head open”). She is determined to live on her terms and remains steadfast in her resolve to defy traditional gender roles.
Much of Kayalvizhi’s rebellious nature can be attributed to the influence of her grandfather, played by the ever-reliable MS Bhaskar. His portrayal in “Raghu Thatha” stands out for its depth and charm. The film derives its title from a comical line in the 1981 Tamil movie “Indru Poi Naalai Vaa,” and the grandfather’s character is integral to the plot. His bond with Kayalvizhi is notably stronger than her relationship with her own parents, making their interactions both heartfelt and significant. Will he persuade Kayalvizhi to undertake a task against her wishes? This pivotal question sustains the narrative’s tension.
The strength of “Raghu Thatha” lies in its irreverence and humor.
. The screenplay, even in its more serious moments, is infused with levity, often bringing a smile to the viewer’s face. The humor isn’t dominated by the leads alone; other characters contribute significantly. For instance, Kayal’s brother’s wife, despite her limited screen time, elicits applause with her witty remarks. Similarly, two small-town criminals steal the limelight in one specific part of the film, offering comic relief. MS Bhaskar’s poker-faced humor sprinkles additional laughter throughout the movie.
However, “Raghu Thatha” is not without its flaws. The early parts of the film, particularly the conversations between Kayal and Selvam (played by Ravindra Vijay), could have been more engaging. Although Ravindra Vijay delivers a competent performance, the evolution of his character’s attitude isn’t as clearly depicted as it should be, potentially leaving the audience questioning his motivations.
Directed by Suman Kumar, a seasoned writer known for his work on hit series like “The Family Man” and “Farzi,” the film adopts a laid-back approach in its first half. This leisurely pace is compensated by an exhilarating final 20 minutes which promises to leave the viewers with a smile. Music composer Sean Roldan adds a unique flavor to the narrative with his compositions, especially with the track “Poruthhiru Selva” sung by SP Charan, a tribute that reminds audiences of the late SPB.
At the heart of “Raghu Thatha” is Keerthy Suresh’s remarkable performance. She brings a natural charm to the role, making even the more preachy sequences feel less burdensome. Her portrayal is so convincing and genuine that it seems as though she’s merely existing within the character, not acting. This effortless portrayal marks yet another solid performance in her career.
“Raghu Thatha” is currently running in theatres and stands as a satirical yet heartwarming film that beautifully captures the essence of defiance, humor, and familial bonds in Tamil cinema.