Seethakatthi

Seethakatthi is an innovative yet moving and engaging Tamil drama written and directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan. The movie features one of the finest actors of the Tamil cinema industry, Vijay Sethupathi, who has made his mark with his astute acting prowess and unique selection of roles. In this film again, he pushes the envelope of his acting capabilities by playing an older character aptly named ‘Ayya Aadhimoolam’. Archana plays the female lead in the movie, and equally contributes in making it memorable with her fine acting skills.

The title ‘Seethakatthi’ is quite significant and draws inspiration from a legendary Tamil philanthropist ‘Seethakathi’, who was known for his vast generosity and literary patronage during the 17th century in Tamil Nadu. The narrative takes an intriguing and inventive form with its unique storyline which stands as the film's strongest point.

Seethakathi introduces us to a deeply revered and admired stage artist, Ayya Aadhimoolam, played by Vijay Sethupathi, who has never set foot in the world of celluloid. He is a man of principles who believes that art, in his case theatre, is his life and lifeblood. Ayya has complete devotion towards the art form and firmly believes in its purity and sanctity. His love for the stage performance makes him refusal to entertain cinema, regardless of the alluring fame and fortune it can bring.

However, the narrative takes an unconventional turn when the script demands Ayya to move away from his usual life. The theme of art and its true essence is beautifully explored in the movie and these dynamic shifts in the narrative allow us to delve deep into the complexities of Ayya's character

Vijay Sethupathi’s performance as Ayya is exemplary. The way Sethupathi breathes life into the character of Ayya is just beyond words and can be termed as one of his finest performances till date. It is a kind of versatility that only an actor of Sethupathi’s caliber can portray. From an old man to a theatre performer, Sethupathi seamlessly melts into both the roles showcasing his talents.

Equally commendable work is done by the veteran actress Archana. She plays the role of Ayya's wife Lakshmi with touching authenticity and conviction. Even though her screen time is comparatively less than Vijay Sethupathi, her contribution towards shaping Ayya’s world is significantly impactful.

The movie also boasts a diverse and seasoned supporting cast including Mouli, Sunil, Bagavathi Perumal, and Rajkumar who add depth to the story with their presence. The way they handled their respective roles infuse more life into the narrative and add critical layers to the storytelling.

The direction by Balaji Tharaneetharan is commendable, who has also brilliantly penned down the script. Despite the long running time of the film, no scene feels unnecessary or forced, each sequence, each conversation, adds a layer to the story and to the world created in the movie. The cinematographer of the film Saraskanth T.K has done some brilliant work by capturing the essence of theater art and its surroundings wonderfully.

The music by Govind Vasantha blends seamlessly with the story as it paints an audible picture matching the tone of the aesthetics. The tracks are impactful and catch your attention instantly, most particularly in tender moments that bind the characters.

Seethakaathi is a unique gem that spins an extraordinary narrative around theater, art, the acting profession, and human emotions. It beautifully portrays the internal struggles of a thespian and gracefully peeks into the world of theatrical performances. It's unflinching in its character study, eccentric yet heartwarming in its storytelling, and the movie is further uplifted by a truly unforgettable heart-rendering performance from Sethupathi. This film is an unusual and captivating tale of devotion to art that is sure to draw you into its world.