Sasanam Review

One knows what to expect when a director of substance joins hands with a production house like National Film Development Corporation, known for quality films. Veteran director Mahendran, whose sensitivity shown through beautifully in movies like Mullum Malarum and Uthiri Pookal, in the company of NFDC has dished out an equally quality offering in Sasanam, transporting the viewers to the days of the yore.

With the storyline confined to the people of Chettinad, Mahendran has realistically shot the happenings at Kandanoor, a small hamlet adjacent to Karaikudi. Aravindhsamy in the company of Gowthamy and Ranjitha pour out the right emotions. More over Mahendran's gripping storyline and a pleasant re-recording by Balabharathy provides a different feel.

Muthiah (Arvind Swami) and his wife Visalakshi (Gowthami) are a loving couple. They come across Saroji (Ranjitha). With no one to go for, she takes refuge in Muthiah's house. Now the inevitable happens. Muthiah and Saroji develop soft corner towards each other. Extra marital affairs are an overused subject in cinema, but Mahendran lends dignity to the theme. The rest is what transpires between the trio, and is narrated with intensity.

A simple storyline, but Mahendran gives his magical touch to it. Sasanam's victory is in the realism and the natural ways of the characters. Aravindhsamy, making a comeback after a long gap, has given a subtle and subdued performance. Equally appreciative is Gowthami's role as his wife Visalakshi.

Cinematographers Nambiyathri - Murali and music director Balabharathy give Mahendran the right company.

On the whole, Sasanam is a different movie for  audience, who expect quality and offbeat themes.