Chithha Review: A Heart-Wrenching Rollercoaster!

Chithha is an intense emotional drama directed by S. U. Arunkumar, starring Siddharth, Nimisha Sajayan, and Sahasra Shree in pivotal roles. The narrative revolves around the world of Eswaran, called ‘Chithha’ (the short form of ‘Chithappa,’ meaning father’s younger brother), and his niece Sundari, called ‘Settai.’

In the quaint town of Palani, Siddharth portrays Eswaran, a dedicated government sanitation officer. His tranquil life revolves around caring for his sister-in-law and 8-year-old niece, Sundari, following his brother’s passing. The narrative unfolds as Eswaran’s world is disrupted when Sundari mysteriously disappears, setting the stage for the rest of the story.

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Chithha delves into the sensitive topic of child sexual harassment, shedding light on the trauma experienced by young victims and their journey towards healing. In this poignant exploration of the challenges faced by girls, Sahasra Shree’s portrayal of Sundari stands out as nothing short of extraordinary. Her performance is awe-inspiring, capturing the essence of the character.

Siddharth, on the other hand, delivers a mature and endearing performance in his role as Sundari’s devoted uncle and a typical middle-class youth. His portrayal is marked by the genuine care and anguish he conveys while trying to protect Sundari, and the transformation his character undergoes when pushed to the brink is truly remarkable. Siddharth’s performance adds depth and authenticity, making it a powerful exploration of a critical issue. Nimisha Sajayan makes an decent debut in Tamil Cinema with a bold character Sakthi, and delivers an impressive performance, particularly towards the climax questioning the patriarchal society.

One of the standout achievements of Chithha lies in its impeccable casting choices. The film succeeds in assembling a flawless ensemble of actors who seamlessly inhabit their respective roles. Notably, the antagonists, lawyers, police officers, and Eswaran’s friends all deliver performances that are not only genuine but also profoundly natural. This casting prowess lends an air of authenticity to the movie, elevating its realism and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Director S. U. Arunkumar demonstrates exceptional sensitivity in addressing a profoundly painful issue in Chithha. His masterful storytelling is underpinned by a perfectly crafted screenplay that serves as an eye-opener to the audience without ever feeling like overt propaganda. Arunkumar, renowned for his adept handling of subtle emotional nuances within relationships, continues to shine in this endeavor.

Particularly noteworthy is how he navigates the delicate bond between Eswaran and his sister-in-law, portrayed by Anjali Nair. The director’s brilliance lies in his ability to unravel multiple layers of backstory through seemingly ordinary incidents and dialogues, drawing us further into their world. What truly sets this movie apart is its ability to convey emotionally challenging moments solely through descriptive dialogue, intensifying the audience’s connection with the characters and the narrative.

The film’s use of native locations, meticulous staging, and the power of simple yet thought-provoking dialogues further enhance its impact. These elements combine to create an immersive cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Vishal Chandrashekhar’s mesmerizing score in Chithha harmonizes seamlessly with the array of emotions portrayed throughout the film. Each note of the music complements the narrative’s emotional nuances, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The songs composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas offer a delightful auditory journey, adding a pleasant layer to the storytelling. Santhosh Narayanan’s title track, in particular, melds effortlessly with the film’s narrative, effortlessly immersing the audience in the world of Chithha. Balaji Subramanyam’s camera work captures the essence of a middle-class family’s life with candidness. His lens brings us closer to the intricacies of their lifestyle, enriching the visual storytelling and making it all the more relatable and engaging.

Chithha undergoes a notable shift in its screenplay post-interval, transitioning into an investigative thriller and concluding with activities after the court proceedings. While these narrative twists may initially appear somewhat divergent, they are skillfully woven into the storyline, thanks to the film’s superb narration. The end result is a holistic and satisfying cinematic experience.

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Chithha is one of the Best Tamil Movies in recent times, which takes a most needed story for children, and importantly it’s told in an engaging mainstream manner instead of being preachy. The movie makes us travel along and feel for the characters and it translates to hope and pain at the end. It is a movie about proper parenting, sexual awareness, and body boundaries, Don’t miss watching this movie with your family but with proper parental guidance to your kids.

‘Chithha’ Rating – 4/5