Aruvi

Aruvi, a thought-provoking and gripping Indian Tamil socio-political drama focuses predominantly on contemporary subjects. Released in 2016, the film is directed by the exceptionally talented Arun Prabhu Purushothaman and produced by SR Prabhu under the banner of Dream Warrior Pictures. The movie features Aditi Balan in her debut cinematic appearance, playing the titular role of Aruvi, where she delivers an incredible, standout performance. The film also features Anjali Varadhan in a significant role among others, contributing to the moving narrative of the movie.

'Aruvi' is impressive and distinct in its narrative style, which alternates between drama, dark comedy, satire, and emotional sequences quite deftly. The language of the film, while predominantly Tamil, has also been dubbed into Hindi, thereby reaching a wider audience.

Aditi Balan's character Aruvi is, in essence, the heart and soul of the film. She plays a compelling role of a spirited young woman, who not only faces the bitter truths of life but also deals with societal judgement and prejudice. Her character is a blend of innocence, defiance, vulnerability, and strength, which Aditi Balan portrays wonderfully, presenting audiences with a character that is relatable and deeply human. Her performance beautifully echoes the joys and sorrows of life.

Aruvi's life spirals into a series of extraordinary events when she is shunned by society for reasons kept hidden from the audience. Her journey then takes a transformative turn as she finds refuge among a group of transients, led by Anjali Varadhan's character. The camaraderie between them is heartfelt and moving. It's through this journey that Aruvi gets a different insight into life's realities.

It's worth mentioning that Aruvi is more than just its main character. It's a reflection of society at large. The director, Arun Prabhu Purushothaman, brilliantly uses Aruvi's story to provide a critique of the prejudices and hypocrisy present in contemporary society. The film compellingly brings to light many societal issues like mistreatment of women, poverty, corruption, and discrimination, among others.

Moreover, the technical aspects of the film are praiseworthy. The cinematography by Shelley Calist and edited by Raymond Derrick Crasta, is brilliant. The movie's visuals subtly heighten the mood and accent the progression of the story. All the while, the music by Bindhu Malini and Vedanth Bharadwaj skillfully enhances the movie's narrative and make for quite the immersive viewing experience. The background score is both soothing and intense at appropriate junctures while the songs are melodious and meaningful, adding to the overall depth of the film.

The film received wide critical acclaim upon release and was lauded at many a film festival for its bold narrative, powerful performances, and sensible direction. Other strengths of Aruvi lie in its uncompromising look at grim realities and its poignant representation of the human struggle, while simultaneously offering moments of softened vulnerability and resiliency.

Aruvi is not just a film, but a groundbreaking and intense journey that will leave you moved, provoked, and above all, touched by its sheer honesty and raw emotion. It is a movie that stays with you long after the screen goes dark, leaving an indelible imprint in your mind, and serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the world we live in, and the resilience of the human spirit against the odds.

In summary, thanks to the intuitive storytelling skills of Arun Prabhu Purushothaman, and a breathtaking performance by Aditi Balan, Aruvi is a cinematic masterpiece that is a shining beacon of socially conscious cinema. It masterfully intertwines the joy and sorrow of human existence, while shedding light on the often ignored injustices of society, making it a must-see for every cinema lover.