Jiivi

Jiivi is an Indian Tamil psychological thriller released in 2019, directed by V.J Gopinath and written by Babu Tamizh. The film stars Vetri in the lead role, with the supporting cast comprising Rohini, Karunakaran, and Monica Chinnakotla. This film has a gripping story, with an abstract yet compelling narrative, representative of a novel realm in Tamil cinema. The film hinges on its unpredictable turns and twists, heart-tugging emotional scenes, and a plot that keeps you on the edge through on the brink of your seat.

The plot follows the life of Saravanan, a youngster from a village in Madurai, who moves to Chennai to make a living and improve his family's financial stature. Vetri, playing the lead role, dons the character of an intelligent man who is drawn into a spiraling chain of events when he approaches his life issues with concepts from scientific principles.

Vetri has given a remarkable performance, utilizing his versatility to bring the complex character of Saravanan to life. He’s arguably the life and soul of the film, carrying the weight of the movie on his shoulders with grace. He transitions effortlessly from an innocent rural youth who is naively optimistic about city life, to a well-read individual dishing out scientific theories and philosophical underpinnings.

Karunakaran, who plays the role of Saravanan's fast-talking friend Mani, leaves an imprint with his script and timing. His character adds an occasional wave of humour into the intricate narrative. On the other hand, veteran actress Rohini, who appears in a pivotal role in the latter half of the movie, brings depth and drama to the script. Her character and connection to Saravanan unveils crucial plot points.

A standout aspect of the film is its layered and intricate narrative, with every apparent insignificant detail interwoven into the plot, inevitably adding up to the climax. 'Jiivi' not only entertains but also enlightens, delving into the depths of scientific theories and philosophical ideas. The screenplay captures a variety of human emotions, bringing out the best and worst of the characters in different situations. The climax, therefore, becomes a collision of all of these elements.

The cinematography by Praveen Kumar, along with the crisp editing by Praveen K.L., enhances the thematic core of the film. The visuals are desolate and imperfect, corresponding to the somber universe the characters inhabit. Sudhakar’s art direction adds authenticity to the narration, depicting key locations in their raw entirety - from the humble village to the bustling concrete jungle of Chennai.

'Jiivi' is a psychological roller-coaster ride that takes its audience on a journey of confrontation and self-discovery. The film is a notable entry in the field of Tamil cinema, especially for its novel narrative style that blurs the line between reality and illusion. It pushes boundaries with its fresh perspective and treatment of the theme, marking an evolution in the genre of suspense thrillers.

The musical score of this film by Sundaramurthy K.S, with his hauntingly beautiful melodies amplifies the suspense, thereby continually captivating the audience. From creating an eerie ambience to punctuating the overwhelming emotions, the music is instrumental in propelling the narrative.

In essence, 'Jiivi' is a compelling watch that leaves the audience questioning the nature of reality and the forces guiding our lives. It delves into deep philosophical theories, bringing them alive in the context of a common man’s unfortunate ordeal. Its intertwined narrative, standout performances and the film's ability to question the world around us establish it as a unique addition to Tamil Cinema. It’s a well-crafted film that unfolds unexpected turns and manages to keep the suspense boiling till the end, suggesting that everything happens for a reason. One might say, 'Jiivi' is not just a film—it's an engaging and thought-provoking experience.