Here's Why "Thadavu" Movie Deserves A Wider Audience
When blockbuster films dominate the screens and commercial cinema seems to reign supreme in this era, smaller, thought-provoking movies often find it challenging to reach the masses.
One such gem, Fazil Razak’s Thadavu (The Sentence), is struggling to gain the attention it rightfully deserves.
Despite its powerful narrative, stellar performances, and the critical acclaim it has received, the film is facing an unfortunate reality: fewer screenings, cancelled shows, and a limited audience.
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The film is struggling to find its way to the larger public, and this is a disheartening trend for those of us who recognise the value of meaningful cinema.
Thadavu follows the life of Geetha, a middle-aged Anganwadi teacher portrayed with astounding depth by Beena R Chandran.
Spoiler Alert
The film goes through the complex tale of a woman caught in the relentless grip of misfortune, yet determined to survive against all odds.
Geetha’s story opens slowly but surely, drawing us into her struggles with a quiet intensity. Through her, we witness the realities of depression, failed marriages, and the consequences of a system that fails to support its women.
The storyline captures the personal turmoil of a woman who, despite multiple challenges, finds ways to cope and push forward just like we see in reality.
In the opening scenes, Geetha attempts to pledge an ornament to pay for her child’s legal expenses, but her past mental health issues thwart her efforts.
Despite this setback, she remains unfazed, sipping a cup of tea in solitude. It’s in these small moments of life that the film’s true beauty lies, no extravagant melodrama, just raw human emotions.
The film slowly peels back the layers of Geetha’s life. We learn that she is a twice-divorced mother of two, dealing with the aftermath of postpartum depression that allegedly led to a near-fatal incident with her first child.
Her second marriage is abusive, leading her to walk away, but the film never spoon-feeds these details to the audience.
Instead, director Fazil Razak allows the audience to piece together Geetha’s story from the quiet spaces between scenes, leaving room for interpretation and empathy.
A huge part of Thadavu’s rawness is Beena R Chandran’s portrayal of Geetha. She brings a nuanced and heartbreaking depth to the character, subtly capturing her pain, determination, and quiet strength.
Beena’s performance never once veers into melodrama that her portrayal of Geetha is understated but deeply moving.
The moments when Geetha is faced with the reality of her life from trying to meet her daughter’s demands to dealing with a terminal illness diagnosis were magnificent to watch.
Equally impressive are the supporting performances. PP Subramanian and Anitha MN deliver excellent performances.
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Other notable performances include Ishak Musafir, Haritha, Sreedhu, and Sukumaran MN, each playing characters who play crucial roles in Geetha’s life.
The supporting characters, though brief in appearance, are fleshed out enough to feel real and necessary to the story.
The careful scripting of these characters ensures that Thadavu never feels like it’s about just one person; it’s about the interconnectedness of lives and the importance of relationships.
Fazil Razak’s direction and writing shine through in every frame. As a debut director, he demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft a story that is as subtle as it is impactful.
He resists the urge to exploit Geetha’s trauma for emotional manipulation, instead offering us a more authentic look at the difficulties she faces. The lack of overt music or dramatic flourishes makes the film feel more grounded and real.
Unfortunately, despite its brilliance, Thadavu is struggling to draw an audience. The film is being shown in fewer theatres, with many screenings cancelled due to low attendance.
This is a grave injustice to a film that has won critical acclaim, including Beena R Chandran’s Best Actress award and Fazil Razak’s Best Debut Director award at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024.
The film’s relevance could not be more timely. It is not just a film about one woman’s plight; it’s about every woman who has ever been made to feel invisible or insignificant, a good watch indeed.
Thadavu Crew:
Direction: Fazil Razak
Story: Fazil Razak
Cast: Beena R Chandran, Anitha, P P Subramanian, Vaappu, Ishak Musafir, Haritha, Sreedhu, Sukumaran MN
