Ashokism award 2024 - Kottukkaali and Meiyazhagan

 

1. Kottukkaali ( the adamant girl) - the 'international' Tamil film by P.S Vinothraj , the director who debuted with Koolankal. In his second movie kottukkaali, Vinod proves that he is no 'one movie wonder'. I greatly admire Vinod's story telling style that is minimalistic yet punchy in presentation. The symbolisms and visual metaphors are spot on. This is artistry at its best and true mastery in film making. 

Again like his earlier film, this too is a road movie. Vinod's use of long shots, camera point of views, pauses, ariel shots, etc make the watch enjoyable. He has weaved caste, cultural and social issues,superstitions, gender inequalities, patriarchy,  etc into a story and thrown the climax as a question into the hands of his audience. Thats brilliance! Also Vinod's bold decision to avoid music has worked well. 

Soori and Anna Ben have given outstanding performances as leads. All the supporting crew have given natural performances. Camera work by Shakthivel is exemplary. Easily the best film of the year for me. 

2. Meiyazhagan (roughly translates to 'man with truth as inner beauty') the 2nd movie by director writer C. Prem Kumar of movie 96 fame. Prem has weaved yet another poetry stringed on human emotions, nostalgia and deft social messaging. The making is slow with long dialogue portions that are gripping and engaging at every level. The chemistry between Arvind Swamy and Karthi is adorable. Every character is well chiseled especially all the female supports. Govind Vasantha has proved again his calibre with some heartwrenching background score. Truly a feel good movie that fills you with lots of positivity and hope on humanity. Keep it going Prem Kumar!

Other notable movies that I saw and admired in 2024 were Mari selvaraj's Vaazhai , Suresh Mari's J Baby & Nithilan's Maharaja

Jama was another note worthy effort by debut director Pari Elavazhagan who has also superbly played the lead role of a street play artist. If not for the comparitively weaker storyline, it would have won the award this year. 

Best song of the year goes to manasula from Viduthalai 2. 

Ilayaraja has created a composition that literally does something to our heart..just as the words in the song...Goosebumps to hear it in Sanjay Subramanian's peculiar voice. Female voice of Ananya Bhatt compliments him with sweetness. A crisp guitar opening from Ilayaraja after many years too..