Thatrom Thookrom

Thatrom Thookrom is an intriguing Tamil film released in 2020 directed by Arul S and starring emerging talents like Tejeenthan Arunasalam (TeeJay), Fouziee, and Suresh Elumalai. The film showcases the unique blend of crime, drama, and social narrative. Produced under the banner of S.A.Hasan, this film has been co-written by the director himself along with Arul Vincent, unveiling compelling storytelling with a robust social context.

Set against the backdrop of the suburbs of Chennai, the narrative revolves around the life of Spark, a young boy played by TeeJay. Brought up in the rather challenging neighborhood subject to poverty and deprivation, he, along with his two close friends, ventures on a path of petty crimes from a very young age to maintain sustenance and provide for their families. The title ‘Thatrom Thookrom’, translates to ‘Try Try Try’ is representative of the struggle the protagonist goes through, signifying the spirit of never giving up.

Spark’s life takes a pivotal turn that thrusts them into the world of serious crime, consequently challenging their morales and principles. This transformation of children involved in minor peculations to grown men entangled in severe felonies forms the crux of the narrative. The portrayal of their camaraderie and the struggles they face growing up in a crime-ridden society forms the emotional undercurrent of Thatrom Thookrom.

The socio-economic issues highlighted in this film underscore the role of systemic oppression and economic disparities in pushing the economically disadvantaged sections towards crime. The storyline has been diligently structured to mirror the adversities and hardship faced by those dwelling in societal fringes, thereby providing a nuanced commentary on the pivotal issue of crime among impoverished youth.

Tejeenthan Arunasalam, popularly known as TeeJay, plays the leading role, Spark, with an impressive intensity. TeeJay, already acclaimed for his music talents, brought-on a commendable performance in the film, displaying a magnitude of emotions and boiling energy. His portrayal of the protagonist added a significant dimension to the story.

Fouziee and Suresh Elumalai also complement TeeJay with their equally powerful performances. The trio's camaraderie generated an organic connect with the audience, bringing to life the characters and situations effectively. The film is held by its well-rounded performances, enhancing the narrative flow. The supporting cast featuring Cheenu Mohan, Kaali Venkat, and Senthi also help build-up the storyline, lending authenticity to the narrative.

The storyline is reinforced with an enthralling background score by Bala Murali Balu, adding an extra layer of poignancy and thrill to the scenes. Kabilan and Kabilan Vairamuthu’s lyrics beautifully encapsulated the essence of the plot and theme, enhancing the emotive appeal of the film.

The film’s visual narrative, directed by NR.Ragu, paints a picture of the intimidating yet sorrowful life in localities ruled by crime. The authentic location and set design, along with the imposing camera effect, stimulate a sense of realness, creating a vividly tangible environment of the crime-infested suburbs of Chennai.

Thatrom Thookrom is more than a cinematic illustration of crime and its consequences. The film employs crime and drama as a lens through which it divulges the economic disparities and systemic failures that instigate crime. The director and his team have strived to exhibit the harsh realities of society that often go unnoticed, and in the process, created an intriguing and provocatively thought-provoking cinema.

This movie, despite its dark themes, comes across as an exciting watch. Not only does it captivate the audience with the gripping storyline, it also evokes empathy towards the characters, pushing the viewers to contemplate the underlying social issues.

Thatrom Thookrom is an immersive experience. It is an earnest attempt that depicts the vulnerability of individuals entrapped within the abyss of crime and societal abandonment. It keeps the audience engaged, peeling layers of the harsh truths of society, and eventually leaves them stirred, instigating a spark of self-awareness and empathy. This movie with its intense narrative and commendable performances is a must-watch for those who appreciate meaningful cinema.