Oru Kaidiyin Dairy

Oru Kaidiyin Diary is a suspense thriller film released in the year 1985. Directed by the famed filmmaker, Bharathiraja and starring award-winning author, Kamal Haasan in a dual role alongside actress Radha, the film is a potpourri of suspense, romance, and action. It's scripted by Kamal Haasan himself, a prominent feature of some of Kamal's classic movies.

The tale of Oru Kaidiyin Diary is centered around Kamal Haasan's dual characters, David and Chinna. David is an ex-army major with a past full of betrayal and loss, while Chinna is a jovial, naïve character from an impoverished background. The cinematic journey of these two characters who look identical but are vastly different in nature forms the crux of the film.

One of the most notable aspects of Oru Kaidiyin Diary is Kamal Haasan's performance. He displays his prowess as an actor by convincingly portraying the two starkly different characters. His portrayal of David, a deeply wounded man seeking revenge, is intense and captivating. On the flip side, his portrayal of Chinna—comic, innocent, and floating through life—presents a sharp contrast, showing his ability to transition seamlessly between completely different characters.

Radha, playing the role of Rosy, does a stellar job as a supportive partner. She breathes life into Rosy's character with her wonderful portrayal as a person torn between her love and her sympathy towards David. Her chemistry with Kamal is palpable and contributes significantly to the film's success. The film also features Revathi in a supporting role, and she gives a memorable performance.

Bharathiraja's direction plays a pivotal role in making the film a masterpiece. His apt treatment of the story, skilled handling of the screenplay, and meticulous attention to detail are commendable. Bharathiraja is known for his innovative storytelling style and Oru Kaidiyin Diary is no exception. The audience is drawn into the plot from the very first sequence and stays intrigued till the end, thanks to the taut narration and well-executed suspense sequences.

The film’s background score and music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, are one of its glaring highlights. The soothing melodies and thrilling background score sets the right mood throughout the movie. The song "Aasaiya Kaathula” remains one of the classics in Tamil cinema even today. The brilliant cinematography by B. Kannan is another high point of this film. The camera work is stunning and adds a layer of depth to the storytelling.

"Oru Kaidiyin Diary" is exceptional in how it explores the human conditions of love, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness. The contrast between the two characters acted by Kamal Haasan offers a nuanced perspective towards life's triumphs and failures. It offers an insightful look at how people, despite having disparate life experiences, can end up in similar situations due to fate.

The film explores various social and moral issues without diverting from the main plot. It attempts to question the nature of justice - is justice only what is served by the law or is it subjective to the wronged individual? It subtly hints to the viewer to review their moral lens when judging the acts of others.

In conjunction, the film also sheds light on the circumstances of impoverished people and the struggles they face daily. The vulnerability of their lives and the risk they are driven to take to survive are effectively portrayed in Chinna's character. It is an appeal to the society's empathetic side, urging them to understand the situation of the less fortunate.

Overall, Oru Kaidiyin Diary is a film that captures the viewer's attention with its gripping story, compelling performances, and astute direction. It’s a gripping tale that carries intelligent plotting, deftly handled suspense, and remarkable acting performances that leaves you at the edge of your seat. It's not just a suspense thriller but a film that compels the viewers to indulge in a bit of introspection about society and themselves. It's a must-watch for fans of Kamal Haasan and anyone who enjoys intelligently crafted suspense thrillers.