starbyte team
The Tamil-language film Tharunam, directed by debutant Arvindh Srinivasan, released on January 14, 2025, amidst high expectations. With its intriguing trailers and promises of a genre-blending romantic thriller, the film aimed to capture the audience’s imagination during the festive Pongal season. Starring Kishen Das and Smruthi Venkat in lead roles, alongside Raj Ayyappa and Bala Saravanan in pivotal parts, Tharunam attempts to weave romance and suspense into a gripping narrative. While it succeeds in moments, the overall execution leaves room for improvement.
Plot Overview: When Love Meets Danger
The story revolves around Arjun (Kishen Das), a suspended CRPF officer, and Meera (Smruthi Venkat), a successful entrepreneur. A chance encounter leads to a blossoming romance between the two, but their idyllic relationship takes a dark turn when Arjun stumbles upon a shocking discovery: a lifeless body in Meera’s apartment.
What begins as a tale of love quickly transforms into a tense thriller, as the couple decides to conceal the incident rather than report it to the authorities. Their decision spirals into a web of lies and dangers, bringing them face-to-face with unexpected consequences. The film’s narrative explores themes of trust, morality, and the limits of human resilience under pressure.
Performances: A Blend of Strengths and Shortcomings
The performances in Tharunam are a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance interspersed with areas that could have been more polished.
Kishen Das as Arjun: Kishen Das carries the weight of the film with sincerity, portraying a man torn between love and his ethical dilemmas. While his emotional range adds depth to the character, his performance occasionally lacks the intensity required for high-stakes moments, which slightly undermines the suspense.
Smruthi Venkat as Meera: Smruthi Venkat delivers a standout performance, embodying Meera with grace and vulnerability. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with fear, guilt, and determination is convincing and forms the emotional core of the narrative.
Raj Ayyappa as Rohit: Raj Ayyappa plays the antagonist with flair, adding tension to the story. However, the lack of a well-developed backstory for his character diminishes the impact of his performance.
Bala Saravanan as Siva: Bala Saravanan provides comic relief in a film otherwise steeped in tension. While his humor offers welcome breaks, some of the comedic moments feel misplaced, disrupting the thriller’s flow.
Direction and Writing: Ambitious but Uneven
Arvindh Srinivasan’s directorial debut showcases promise, particularly in his attempt to blend romance with suspense. The film begins on a strong note, with a charming love story that transitions into darker territory. However, the transition between genres is not always seamless, and the pacing becomes uneven in the second half.
The screenplay falters in maintaining narrative tension, with several plot points feeling predictable. While the core premise is engaging, the twists and turns lack the originality needed to keep audiences fully invested. The characters’ motivations and decisions, particularly in the climax, could have been fleshed out better to add emotional weight and realism.
Music and Technical Aspects: Elevating the Experience
The film’s technical team delivers commendable work that enhances its overall appeal:
Music by Darbuka Siva: The songs, particularly «Enai Neengathe Nee» and «Kaatrai Ketten,» are beautifully composed and well-integrated into the narrative. Darbuka Siva’s background score effectively heightens the suspense during key moments, making it a highlight of the film.
Cinematography by Raja Bhattacharjee: The visuals are striking, with Bhattacharjee skillfully capturing the tension and emotions through lighting and framing. The use of dimly lit spaces and close-up shots adds to the film’s atmospheric appeal.
Editing by Arul Elango Siddharth: While the editing is generally sharp, a few scenes in the second half could have been trimmed to improve pacing.
Strengths: What Works for Tharunam
- Engaging Performances:
Smruthi Venkat and Kishen Das shine in their respective roles, anchoring the film with their chemistry and emotional depth. - Music and Visuals:
The hauntingly beautiful score and atmospheric cinematography enhance the film’s tone and keep the audience immersed. - Premise with Potential:
The film’s central idea of a romance tainted by suspense offers a unique viewing experience, setting it apart from typical Tamil cinema fare.
Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement
- Predictable Plot Twists:
The narrative lacks the element of surprise, with several twists feeling telegraphed early on. - Inconsistent Pacing:
The film’s rhythm falters in the second half, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary. - Underdeveloped Antagonist:
The character of Rohit could have been better fleshed out to make the conflict more compelling.
Critical Reception: Divided Opinions
Critics have offered mixed reviews for Tharunam:
- The Times of India: Rated the film 3/5, noting its «engaging first half» but criticizing the «predictable second half and underwhelming climax.»
- OTTPlay: Gave the film a low score of 1.5/5, describing it as «an inconsistent thriller far removed from reality.»
- Chennaivision: Praised the film for its emotional core and twists, calling it «a decent attempt at blending genres.»
Audience Response: Mixed but Hopeful
Viewer feedback has been similarly divided. Many praised the lead actors and the emotional depth of the story, while others found the thriller elements lacking in intensity. The film’s attempt to appeal to both romantic and thriller audiences has resulted in mixed reactions, with some enjoying the novelty and others left wanting more.
Conclusion: A Noble Attempt with Flaws
Tharunam is a film that takes risks by attempting to merge romance and suspense, a combination not frequently explored in Tamil cinema. While it succeeds in parts, particularly in its performances and technical aspects, it stumbles in delivering a consistently engaging narrative.
For viewers seeking a film with a fresh premise and strong performances, Tharunam is worth a watch. However, those expecting a tightly crafted thriller may find the execution lacking.
Final Verdict: 2.75/5
