Film Appreciation: Uriyadi

 

Uriyadi is a 2016 Tamil film directed by Vijay Kumar, who has also played the lead role. The film features a fresh cast with actors like Mime Gopi, Citizen Sivakumar and Chandru. All of them fit perfectly into this raw narrative. When it got released 2016 it did not receive the attention it deserves, but quickly made its mark as a bold, fearless portrayal of caste politics in Tamil Nadu.

Film is set in the backdrop of 1990s. The plot follows four carefree engineering students, with Lenin (Vijay Kumar) leading the group. Their lives take a sharp turn when they get exposed to local caste based politics. What starts as a typical college life story soon turns into violence and chaos, especially after the explosive interval block, a simple fight turns into a violent clash.

Vijay Kumar's Lenin stands out as a symbol of the impulsive youth who refuses to back down, no matter how deep the problem is. There is an honesty in his characterization. But he is not a flawless hero, He is hot headed, reckless, and vulnerable. On the other hand Mime Gopi’s antagonist role is chilling, with his portrayal of a ruthless caste leader who manipulates the system to maintain his power. The supporting cast also delivers raw performances.

The cinematography by Paul Livingstone captures the rawness of the rural setting. There are no attempts to romanticize the village life, Where violence seems to be in and around every corner. The handheld camera work enhances the chaos. The screenplay is tight, though it occasionally move towards familiar revenge dramas, it sets itself apart by not offering easy resolutions.

The music by Masala Coffee and Anthony Dasan complements the mood without being overbearing. The background score, especially during the pivotal scenes, keeps the tension alive and paves way to the unpredictability of the events. The use of folk instruments adds another layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

This film shows us how systemic issues like caste can erode humanity and how sometimes personal becomes political in the most brutal ways. It is also a masterclass in independent filmmaking. There is no glossy finish instead it feels like raw footage of events that are all too close to reality, which is why it resonates so deeply. 

This film is a must watch, not just because of its social relevance but because of the way it approaches those societal issues, unafraid to leave you uncomfortable, to make you think and more importantly, to make you feel. It is not perfect, but it is brave.