Rail Movie Review:

 Rail Movie Review: 

 

 

The film tells the story of Kungumaraj, an electrician from a village, and his wife Vairamala. Kungumaraj struggles with a severe alcohol addiction, which causes him to neglect his work and disrupt his life. This addiction leads to frequent arguments with Vairamala, creating tension in their marriage. Their situation is further complicated by the fact that they have been childless for seven years, resulting in a lack of respect from their relatives and villagers.

 

Kungumaraj's frustration over his personal failures and the scorn from his community leads him to take out his anger on Sunil (Parvez Mehru), a young man from a northern state living across from their house. Despite Kungumaraj's hostility, Vairamala treats Sunil kindly, seeing him as a younger brother. This dynamic sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

 

The plot intensifies when Sunil, preparing to return to his hometown, entrusts Vairamala with a bag. Before he can come back for it,Sunil tragically dies. His death brings his wife Dimple, child, and father to town for his funeral. During the mourning period, Sunil’s family starts inquiring about the money he had, prompting Kungumaraj to recall the bag Sunil gave to Vairamala.

 

Kungumaraj, in a state of urgency, goes to retrieve the bag from Vairamala, only to discover that it is missing. This incident adds another layer of tension and guilt, particularly for Vairamala. The film then delves into the mystery of the missing bag and explores how Vairamala copes with the situation and what actions she takes to support Parvez's bereaved family.

 

The performances of Kungumaraj and Vairamala stand out for their authenticity, making it hard to believe that this is their first film. Kungumaraj effectively conveys his character's sense of helplessness and frustration. Meanwhile, Vairamala's portrayal, especially her reaction to the loss of the bag and her guilt, earns significant praise.

 

Supporting actors, including Parvez Mehru as the northern youth, Ramesh Vaidya as Kungumaraj's friend, Senthil Kochadai as Vairamala's father, and Bindu as Parvez's father, all deliver performances that add depth to the story. Their roles are well-cast and enhance the narrative.

 

The cinematography by Theni Iswar captures the essence of the film's setting, bringing the story's environment to life. SJ Janani's music complements the scenes, maintaining the natural and authentic feel of the film. These technical elements contribute significantly to the overall impact of the movie.

 

Director Bhaskar Shakti deserves credit for his realistic portrayal of the lives of common people, particularly those seeking livelihood in Tamil Nadu from other states. The film not only tells a compelling story but also addresses broader social issues, such as the prejudice against northern workers and the impact of alcoholism on Tamil Nadu's youth. Shakti's direction emphasizes the resilience and independence necessary to survive and thrive in any environment.