Aram Sei Movie Review: A Politically Charged Thriller That Preaches More Than It Engages

Aram Sei Movie Review:  A Politically Charged Thriller That Preaches More Than It Engages

 

Aram Sei is a socio-political thriller that attempts to question the system but often feels more like a political sermon. The film opens with a striking sequence where Dileepan (Balu S. Vaithiyanathan), a medical college student, envisions himself as the legendary poet and activist C. Subramania Bharati, reflecting his dream of a society. Along with his close friend Jeeva, he takes a stand against the privatization of their government medical college, leading to a bold five-day fasting protest against the authorities.

Parallelly, Senthaaragai (Anjana Keerthi), a fierce activist, fights for the oppressed, including farmers and marginalized communities. Determined to bring systemic change, she sets out to reach the secretariat with her demands. However, her own family—comprised of high-ranking government officials—stands against her ideals. But Senthaaragai is relentless, defying all odds to take her battle to the streets.

As the tension escalates, the film unfolds over a lengthy 188 minutes, delving deep into India's sociopolitical struggles. While the film attempts to keep the audience engaged with pressing societal issues, the heavy-handed messaging at times overshadows the storytelling, making it feel more like a lecture than a gripping narrative.

Aram Sei doesn’t hold back in exposing the dark realities of Indian politics. From high-profile financial scams like Vijay Mallya’s to the controversial NEET issue and the heartbreaking suicide of Anitha, the film touches upon real-life tragedies that shook the nation. It also sheds light on the unending struggles of farmers and the deep-rooted corruption that continues to plague the system. However, the film’s approach can feel overly didactic, leaving little room for nuance.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its razor-sharp dialogue. Every scene is powered by hard-hitting conversations that leave a lasting impact. Rather than relying on engaging drama, Aram Sei focuses more on delivering political messages.

The performances in Aram Sei are decent, with each actor fitting into their roles effectively. Sravan Raghavendra as Dileepan portrays the determination of a young revolutionary, while Anjana Keerthi’s Senthaaragai is convincing in her activist role. The supporting cast, including Megali Meenakshi as Kayal and Lollu Sabha Jeeva, contribute adequately to the film’s narrative. However, the film leans more on its strong messaging than on standout acting. Including a drunken girl character feels unnecessary and does not add value to the storyline.

While the film remains a hard-hitting drama, a couple of commercial duet songs add a touch of entertainment. These moments provide a brief respite from the otherwise intense and politically charged storyline. However, the core of the movie lies in its powerful portrayal of students and activists uniting for justice, making Aram Sei a story of courage and rebellion.

Directed by Balu S. Vaithiyanathan and produced under Tharagai Cinemas, Aram Sei is a bold cinematic statement. With cinematography by R. Kanna and music by Srikanth Deva, the film is set to release on March 28, 2025. While the film presents important social issues, its overtly preachy tone might not appeal to all viewers. If you prefer politically charged narratives, Aram Sei could be worth a watch.