Nedunchalai

Set in the backdrop of a highway in the interior regions of Tamil Nadu, Nedunchalai is a thrilling Indian movie released in 2014 under the directorial expertise of Krishna, a protege of the acclaimed director A.L. Vijay. Nedunchalai features Aari Arujunan in the lead role alongside the talented Shivada Nair. The supporting cast includes experienced actors like Thambi Ramaiah, Prashant Narayanan, and Ashutosh Rana. Nedunchalai is a movie that sets its roots deeply in the genre of drama and romance and goes further to incorporate elements of action and thrill.

The plot of Nedunchalai revolves around the life of the main character named ‘Murai’ played by actor Aari. His character, Murai, is a thief and a highway robber who operates mainly on the Chennai-Madurai Highway stretch. He ekes out his living by looting from the heavy vehicles that ply on the highway. He is crafty and intelligent, known for swindling money from drivers impersonating as a government official.

‘Murai’, looking as rugged as the wilderness, is a product of his harsh and raw surroundings, but beneath this rugged exterior is a soft heart, a truth that surfaces when he encounters his love interest, played by Shivada Nair. As Murai's love story unfolds on the screen, viewers are taken on a ride filled with different emotions and captivating turns.

Shivada plays the role of Manga, a gutsy woman working in an eatery on the same highway. She shares a unique relationship with Murai, and their simmering chemistry is a key highlight of the film. The blend of innocent love amidst their wild and harsh surroundings creates an interesting contrast that keeps the audience hooked throughout.

Thambi Ramaiah plays the role of Maari, a pivotal character who plays the con-man, a mentor to Murai. As an uncouth, unorthodox, yet practical man, Maari guides Murai through the perils and pitfalls of their "highway lifestyle". The performance by the seasoned actor adds a lot to the overall flavor of the film with the sprinkle of comic relief amidst the tense drama.

Prashant Narayanan steps into the shoes of the villain in the movie. He enacts the role of the corrupt cop ruthlessly and efficiently, and his acting prowess further lifts up the narrative. Then, there is the award-winning actor Ashutosh Rana, hailing from the Bollywood, who counterbalances the evil with his role as a righteous police officer. The cat and mouse chase among Aari, Prashant, and Ashutosh forms a major crux of the movie.

Nedunchalai is all about battles. Aari, as the highway robber, battles against the corrupt systems, while also desperately resisting falling into the trap well spun by Narayanan. These battles are smartly interwoven among side stories that depict Aari’s battles against his past, his infatuation-turned-love for Shivada, and his struggles for survival.

Satish Chakravarthy's hauntingly beautiful music and background score forms another striking feature of Nedunchalai, heightening the emotional depth of the film. The songs, "Theenda Theenda" and "Konjam Konjam" are particularly known for their heart-touching lyrics and enthralling music.

The visual presentation by cinematographer Rajavel Olhiveeran is stunning. The way he captures the essence of the rugged, raw look and feel of the highway, where the majority of the film takes place, is worth praising. The raw landscapes combined with his excellent sense of lighting and shadows, give the film a unique aesthetic appeal.

Krishna’s story takes inspiration from real-life highway robber, Neduvaali, who was active during the 1980s in Tamil Nadu. However, the director has taken cinematic liberties and twists to appeal to the present generation. The screenplay, narrated in a non-linear pattern, makes the film engaging. Also, the addition of romance, humor, action sequences, and thrilling twists and turns, intricately weaves into the well-structured plot, justifying the film's tag of being a ‘unique road movie’.

Overall, Nedunchalai is an engrossing and entertaining watch that has been loved by critics and audiences alike. This dramatic road movie is a testament to the fact that there is still a place for unique and bold storytelling in Indian cinema. The brilliant performances, captivating scenes, dramatic plot, engaging screenplay, and soulful music make Nedunchalai a movie worth watching.