Mei

Mei is a Tamil language medical crime thriller that hit the screens in 2019. The film features Charle, Kishore Kumar G., and Ajay Ghosh in the leading roles along with newcomer Nicky Sundaram and Aishwarya Rajesh. The debutant director, SA Baskaran, has shown his talent by perfectly harmonizing a varied ensemble cast, gripping plot and a socially pertinent theme, making it a notable entry in the annals of Tamil cinema.

The title 'Mei,' which translates to 'truth' or 'fact,' serves as the underlying theme of the entire film. The narrative kicks off with an innocent youngster who leaves for Chennai with dreams of studying for his medical degree. For the uninitiated, Nicky Sundaram, an engineer hailing from the United States, makes his Tamil film debut with Mei. As per the director’s vision, Nicky beautifully portrays the character as a naive yet determined medical aspirant, showcasing a range of emotions from fear and anxiety to courage and determination.

On the other hand, we have the notable performance by Charle, playing a fearless cab driver. Charle’s character provides the critical linkage between the two disparate worlds of medicine and crime in the plot. We see how cab driving, an occupation usually associated with mundane city life, takes a thrilling turn through Charle's role.

One of the key highlights of Mei is Kishore Kumar G.'s convincing portrayal of a very relentless and fearsome policeman. He does justice to his cop avatar by staying true to his character, which stands tall amidst the turmoil and chaos set by the plot. Kishore Kumar G.'s character is pivotal in creating agonizing suspense, both for the other characters and the audience.

Last but not least is Ajay Ghosh's terrifying yet realistic performance as the head of a private medical institution. Ajay articulately plays his part as the sinister villain, often sending chills down the audience's spine as his actions brutally reflect some of the harsh reality of corrupt medical institutions. Ghosh’s character provides the necessary evil that spurs the story towards a thrilling crescendo.

The clash between an idealistic med student, an upright cop, a cunning medical institute head, and an ordinary cab driver forms a whirlwind of sorts, unfolding a series of events that put the future of everyone involved at stake.

Aishwarya Rajesh shines in a short yet impactful role. Her character sheds light on the indispensable role of the media in modern society, and Aishwarya rightly carries the character with the necessary grit and determination.

Prithvi Kumar's background score adds a layer of suspense to the film. His choice of tunes serves the narrative well, intensifying the thrilling scenes while adding depth to the emotional moments. Director SA Baskaran's screenplay is tightly bounded and progresses at a good pace, with scarcely a dull moment.

The cinematography by VN Mohan deserves special mention as it effectively captures the gritty underbelly of Chennai. The editing, done by Praveen KL, is sharp and precise, aiding the suspenseful narrative. Each frame is carefully crafted, exemplifying the creative vision of the director.

What sets 'Mei' apart from many thrillers is its stark commentary on societal realities. The movie does not shy away from showcasing the damaging effects that corruption in the medical sector can have on society. It paints a vivid picture of the stark disparities created by unscrupulous activities, which hit home for many.

'Mei' is not just a typical 'whodunit' thriller; instead, it is a riveting collision of truth and corruption intertwined with well-narratives personal stories from the leads. This film grips the viewer’s attention early on with its authentic characters and a potent social message, keeping them at the edge of the seat throughout. It’s an exciting blend of stirring suspense, compelling drama, and hard-hitting reality. For Tamil cinema lovers and beyond, the film is certain to lend an enriching cinematic experience.