Watch Pattas

Pattas (Tamil) is a 2020 Tamil action film directed by R.S. Durai Senthilkumar and starring Dhanush in a dual role, along with Sneha and Mehreen Pirzada. Set in the backdrop of Chennai's North Madras, the film showcases the ancient martial art form Adimurai and its dwindling practice in today's society. The film begins with the introduction of the main lead, Sakthi (Dhanush), who lives with his mother (Sneha) and sister in North Madras. He is a small-time thief who leads a carefree life, but he is not happy about it. His wish is to become a martial arts champion and restore the glory of his father, who was a legendary Adimurai expert. One day, Sakthi comes across a fight between Giri (Naveen Chandra) and Nasser's (Munishkanth) men. Sakthi intervenes and beats up Giri's goons, which sparks a rivalry between the two. Giri, a representative of a martial arts school in Thailand, ridicules Adimurai and challenges anyone to prove its worth by defeating him in a fight.

Sakthi, who is passionately interested in Adimurai, gets motivated to train and participate in the national-level Adimurai competition. Along the way, he meets a girl named Kirti (Mehreen Pirzada), who falls in love with him. She is a fun-loving, bold, and expressive character who supports Sakthi's ambition. As Sakthi's training intensifies, he uncovers his family's hidden past, which reveals the connection between him and Giri.

The first half of the movie creates a strong character arc for the protagonist and supports his ambition to preserve Adimurai. The second half raises the stakes by adding a layer of revenge, secrets, and action. The villain's character is impeccably crafted to invoke the audience's emotions and create a meaningful conflict.

The director provides an excellent balance between the plot and the characters' emotional arcs. The film's plot is not just about Sakthi's ambition, but it also touches upon the societal stigma that martial artists face. The film profoundly resonates with the concept of cultural appropriation and how certain aspects of a culture can fade away over time. The intricate cultural references in Pattas are subtle yet endearing, which makes the film feel authentic.

The acting in the movie is top-notch. Dhanush, well-known for his acting prowess, delivers an all-around performance. He handles the multiple emotional layers of his character with ease and conviction. The dual roles he portrays offer the audience an excellent opportunity to witness his versatility as an actor. Sneha's performance, as Sakthi's mother, adds depth and emotional weight to the story. Mehreen Pirzada's character is a breath of fresh air and provides the audience with a modest romantic track, which is not overdone.

The music and cinematography in the movie are exceptional. The songs, composed by Vivek-Mervin, are catchy and well-penned. The dance choreography in the Adimurai sequences is impressive, and the background score, composed by Vivek-Mervin, elevates the mood of the film. Cinematographer Om Prakash does an excellent job of capturing the essence of North Madras and showcasing the Adimurai sequences with precision and clarity.

Overall, Pattas (Tamil) is a highly entertaining and engaging film. Its blend of action, emotion, and cultural references creates an impressive visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It is a well-crafted film that is highly recommended for those who enjoy action films with a touch of culture and emotional depth.