Salliyargal Tamil Movie Review: The Unsung Doctors of a Brutal War

Salliyargal Tamil Movie Review: The Unsung Doctors of a Brutal War

 

Salliyargal is written and directed by T. Kittu and produced under the banner Indian Cineway by S. Karunaas and P. Karikalan. The film takes a serious and emotional approach, focusing on a lesser-explored side of war, the medical services that functioned under extreme danger during the Tamil Sri Lankan conflict. Instead of concentrating only on the battlefield, the film highlights humanity, sacrifice, and moral strength.

Many films have attempted to portray the suffering faced by Tamil Sri Lankan people and the fighters who struggled for liberation. Salliyargal adds a different perspective by showing how the medical wing of the LTTE operated during the war. It sheds light on underground bunker hospitals, the difficult conditions under which they functioned, and the courage of doctors who chose to save lives even when their own lives were at risk.

The story is set in a war zone where LTTE fighters are frequently injured during clashes with the Sri Lankan army. To treat them, emergency bunker hospitals are created close to the battlefield. These hospitals lack basic facilities, medicines, food, and rest, yet they continue to function in the middle of constant danger and fear.

At the center of the story is Sathyadevi, who plays a committed female doctor working in one such bunker hospital. She works continuously without proper sleep or food, driven only by her duty to save lives. Her character reflects strength, compassion, and mental resilience. To support her, Dr. Mahendran is sent from the main hospital, and their professional bond becomes an emotional anchor in the narrative.

Parallel to this, the Sri Lankan army plans to weaken the LTTE by targeting its medical support system. Realizing that doctors and medical staff are crucial to the fighters’ survival, the army begins attacking these services. This threat adds urgency and tension to the story, making every medical operation a matter of life and death.

What stands out in Salliyargal is its emphasis on medical ethics and humanity. The doctors treat everyone who is injured, regardless of whether they are fighters or enemies. Even in the middle of violence and loss, the film shows how compassion survives, making the narrative deeply moving and thought-provoking.

Sathyadevi delivers a powerful and restrained performance, portraying emotional fatigue and inner strength with realism. S. Karunaas plays his role with maturity and seriousness, adding depth to the story. Supporting actors Thirumurugan, Janaki, Mahendran, Nagaraj, Priya, Anand Sounderarajan, Mohan, and Santhosh contribute effectively, bringing authenticity to the setting and characters.

On the technical side, the film benefits from the music composed by Ken and Eshwar, which supports the emotional weight of the scenes without overpowering them. The direction maintains a steady and respectful tone, avoiding unnecessary dramatization. Overall, Salliyargal is a sincere and impactful film that honors the courage of doctors who served in silence during one of the most painful chapters of history.