Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Review

Suman Kumar attempts to recapture the spirit of films that celebrate strong, independent, and intelligent women, but unfortunately, the similarities end there. Making his directorial debut with Raghu Thatha, Suman Kumar presents a story that, despite its title, focuses not on Raghu Thatha (Grandfather Raghu) but on his granddaughter, Kayal (played by Keerthy Suresh). Released on Independence Day, August 15, this political comedy has garnered positive reviews. Set in the small town of Valluvanpettai, the film follows Kayalvizhi Pandian, a bank employee and feminist author, as she navigates societal pressures and personal dreams against the backdrop of her grandfather Raghu’s terminal illness.

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Review

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Plot Summary:

“Raghu Thatha,” set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, transports us to the small town of Valluvanpettai in Tamil Nadu. The film centers on Kayalvizhi Pandian, known as Kayal (played by Keerthy Suresh), a 25-year-old educated and independent woman who works at Madras Central Bank. Living with her parents, brother, and beloved grandfather, Raghu Thatha (MS Bhaskar), Kayal is more than just a bank employee; she’s a staunch feminist and a renowned author who writes under the pseudonym K. Pandian.

YouTube (Saregama Tamil)

Kayal is an ardent supporter of Tamil identity and a follower of Periyar, fiercely opposing the imposition of Hindi in her town. However, her personal life takes a tumultuous turn when her grandfather is diagnosed with stomach cancer. With his dying wishes including seeing Kayal married, she reluctantly agrees to marry her friend Selvan (Ravindra Vijay), an engineer who shares her values.

Just as her life seems to be falling into place, an anonymous letter reveals Kayal’s identity as the author K. Pandian, leading to a cascade of challenges that threaten her happiness and principles.

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Cast:

Keerthy Suresh
MS Bhaskar
Ravindra Vijay
Devadarshini

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Review:

“Raghu Thatha” marks the directorial debut of Suman Kumar, known for his work on acclaimed series like “Guns & Gulaabs,” “Farzi,” and “The Family Man.” The film ambitiously aims to blend themes of feminism, politics, and social commentary, drawing inspiration from the strong, independent female characters seen in classic Tamil cinema by directors like Visu and K. Balachander.

However, despite its promising premise, “Raghu Thatha” falls short of delivering a cohesive narrative. The screenplay is marred by logical inconsistencies that dilute the impact of the film’s feminist message. For instance, Kayal, a character who vehemently opposes patriarchy and Hindi imposition, surprisingly compromises her principles when faced with personal challenges. This inconsistency makes her character appear confused and undermines the film’s feminist undertone.

The film’s comedic elements, which are meant to provide relief, largely fall flat. The humor feels forced, with only the last 15 minutes offering any genuine laughs. This lack of effective comedy, combined with the uneven pacing, makes the film a tiresome watch.

What Works:

Performances:
- MS Bhaskar delivers a heartfelt performance as Raghu Thatha, bringing warmth and depth to his character.
- Devadarshini shines in her role, adding much-needed gravitas to the film.
Cinematography and Music:
- Yamini Yagnamurthy’s cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant sceneries and the essence of the era.
- Sean Roldan’s music is evocative of the 1960s and 1970s, with his background score and songs fitting well within the narrative.

What Doesn’t Work:

Screenplay and Writing:
- The screenplay fails to maintain a consistent tone, with several logical flaws and poorly executed themes.
- The writing does not allow the characters, especially Kayal, to fully develop or transform, leaving them one-dimensional.
Characterization:
- Kayal’s character, despite being the focal point of the film, lacks depth. Her decisions often contradict her established principles, making her less relatable.
- Selvan, played by Ravindra Vijay, also suffers from inadequate characterization, with his role failing to create a compelling contrast between the film’s first and second halves.
Pacing and Editing:
- The film’s pacing is uneven, with random scenes disrupting the narrative flow, such as Raghu Thatha’s meeting with Selvan under a coconut tree.
- The editing fails to streamline the story, contributing to the film’s chaotic structure.

Verdict:

“Raghu Thatha” had the potential to be a powerful feminist film, reminiscent of the works of Visu and K. Balachander. Unfortunately, the film’s inconsistent writing, lack of character development, and forced humor make it a missed opportunity. While the performances and technical aspects like cinematography and music stand out, they are not enough to salvage the film from its shortcomings.

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Director:

Director: Suman Kumar

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Writer:

Writer: Suman Kumar

Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie Rating:

Rating: 3.5/5

Where to Watch Raghu Thatha Tamil Movie:

The film is available to watch in theaters across India.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the main theme of “Raghu Thatha”?
The film explores themes of feminism, social identity, and the clash between personal principles and societal expectations.
Who plays the lead role in “Raghu Thatha”?
Keerthy Suresh plays the lead role of Kayalvizhi Pandian, the granddaughter of Raghu Thatha.
Is “Raghu Thatha” a comedy film?
While “Raghu Thatha” is marketed as a comedy, the comedic elements are sparse and ineffective, making it more of a drama.
How is the performance of MS Bhaskar in the film?
MS Bhaskar delivers a strong performance as Raghu Thatha, adding emotional depth to the film.
What era is “Raghu Thatha” set in?
The film is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Tamil Nadu.
Does “Raghu Thatha” faithfully follow its feminist themes?
Although the film intends to portray feminist themes, inconsistencies in the protagonist’s character undermine this effort, leading to a diluted feminist message.
What is the significance of the film’s title, “Raghu Thatha”?
The title “Raghu Thatha” refers to the protagonist’s grandfather, though the story primarily revolves around his granddaughter, Kayal.
Who directed “Raghu Thatha”?
Suman Kumar, known for his work in web series like “The Family Man,” makes his directorial debut with this film.
What rating does “Raghu Thatha” have?
The film has been rated 3.5 out of 5.
What are the standout technical aspects of “Raghu Thatha”?
The film’s music by Sean Roldan and cinematography by Yamini Yagnamurthy are notable highlights.