Thodraa movie review: Familiar storyline marred by poor execution

Director: Madhuraj

Cast: Prithvi Rajan, Veena, MS Kumar, Venkatesh, Gajaraj

Films glorifying caste pride and the resulting violence are not very uncommon in Tamil cinema. Madhuraj, a former assistant of Bhagyaraj, has come out with a romantic story of a couple belonging to different castes, with honor killing as its backdrop.

Set in Krishnagiri, Shankar (Prithvi), who is from the lower strata of the society, is a happy-go-lucky guy who lives with his mother and sister. A first year student in college, he works as a part-time paperboy to meet expenses. One day he meets Divya (Veena Nandhakumar) and the inevitable happens. No prizes for any guesses! Yes, it is love at first sight and he starts stalking her, until the latter reciprocates. Apparently, Divya hails from an affluent family who are immersed in caste pride. When Divya’s brother Pounraj (MS Kumar) — an active politician — comes to know of his sister’s relationship, he hatches a plan, along with his wife (Susan), to separate the lovers and get rid of Shankar.

However, the lovers elope to a remote place with the help of Shankar’s friends and unite in marriage. But Divya’s family is not going to give up so easily on the daughter who brought shame and disrepute to her caste and community.

Prithvi and Veena have given decent performances. MS Kumar, as a scheming villain, is adequate. Then there’s this Venkatesh whose characterization looks implausible. For a script of this intensity, the screenplay should be strong. While sounding good on paper, it is in his execution the debut filmmaker has erred. The intentions of the director to covey the social evils that still prevail in our society are creditable. A taut narration and a little bit of coherence would have made it a better product.