Watch Jagat

Jagat, a Malaysian Tamil movie from 2015, directed by Shanjhey Kumar Perumal, is a coming-of-age tale that highlights the social class differences prevalent in Malaysian society. The film is set in the late 1990s and follows the story of Appoy (Karnan G. Crack), a young adolescent boy belonging to a lower-income family in a Tamil village in Malaysia.

Appoy is a mischievous boy who spends most of his time playing with his friends, getting into trouble with the police, and evading his school responsibilities. His father, a drunkard and a stern man, is constantly admonishing him for his indolent ways. His mother, who is unable to read or write, works as a cleaner in a nearby building to support the family.

The movie portrays the struggles of the Tamil community in Malaysia, focusing on their education, employment, and social status. The director sheds light on the growing divide between the rich and poor and the difficulties faced by the lower class in accessing basic necessities of life. The audience sees how Appoy and his friends are exposed to a world of drugs, gang violence, and crime, reflecting the harsh realities of the society they live in.

Despite his struggles, Appoy is a bright young boy with an artistic streak. He enjoys drawing and has a keen eye for detail, but his talent goes unnoticed amidst the chaos of his life. When Appoy's uncle Ragu (Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan) visits from Singapore, he recognizes the boy's potential and encourages him to pursue his passion for drawing.

With his uncle's support, Appoy starts to take his art more seriously, but his parents and his school teacher are wary of his newfound interest. They view art as a waste of time and want him to focus on his studies instead. The conflict between Appoy's desire to pursue his creative passions and his family's conservative mindset highlights the lack of opportunities for artistic expression in the Tamil community.

The film also explores the theme of identity and belonging through the character of Appoy's grandfather (Kuben Mahadevan). He is an immigrant who left India during the colonial era to work on rubber estates in Malaysia. He is disconnected from his homeland and unable to assimilate into Malaysian society, feeling like a stranger in his adopted country. His character symbolizes the struggle faced by the Tamil community in finding their place in a multicultural society.

Jagat is a heartwarming tale of a boy's resilience and his pursuit of creative expression despite the odds stacked against him. The film addresses relevant social issues and touches upon the struggles and aspirations of the Tamil community in Malaysia. The beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and a captivating storyline make Jagat a must-watch for anyone interested in coming-of-age movies with a social message.

In conclusion, Jagat is a thought-provoking and poignant movie that humanizes the societal issues faced by the Tamil community in Malaysia. The director uses the story of a young boy to highlight the complexities of social class and the struggle for self-identity in a multicultural society. The film sheds light on the importance of inclusive education, creative expression, and the need for equal opportunities for all. Overall, Jagat is an engaging movie and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.