Watch SETHUM AAYIRAM PON

Sethum Aayiram Pon is a Tamil-language drama film released in 2020, directed by Anand Ravichandran, which brings to the audience a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative woven around the themes of family, tradition, and the complexities of human relationships. The film revolves around a young makeup artist named Meera, portrayed by the talented Nivedhithaa Sathish, who is based in Chennai and is making her mark in the city's film industry. Skilled in her craft, Meera's life is fast-paced and modern, far removed from the traditional village life she once left behind. However, life takes a turn when she receives a call about her estranged grandmother, Krishnaveni, played by Srilekha Rajendran, who is living in a remote village in Tamil Nadu. Krishnaveni, a strong-willed and cantankerous character, is a revered practitioner of the traditional art of death ritual makeup – a service she performs for the deceased in her community.

Meera, despite having complex and unresolved feelings towards her grandmother, decides to visit the village after many years. The film does a splendid job of exploring the nuanced and intricate dynamics of their relationship, revealing the past and the rift that has grown over the years. Krishnaveni is not just any grandmother; she is a woman with a strong sense of pride in her work and a significant reputation in the village for her pivotal role in the death rituals, which are seen as an important and sacred part of the local culture. Her work, done with a deep sense of duty and respect, adds an element of beauty and dignity to the final send-off for the departed.

Ratha Krishnan, portraying the village chief, and Avinash Raghudevan, in a supporting role, round out a cast of characters that add depth and authenticity to the story. As Meera reintegrates into village life, she must navigate the idiosyncrasies of the community and her own preconceptions about tradition and modernity. She is confronted with the stark contrast between the superficiality and the fleeting nature of her work in the film industry and the profound significance of her grandmother's role in the timeless rituals of life and death.

The movie is as much about the art of makeup as it is about the universal experience of confronting and healing from the pain of broken family relationships. It is about the contrast between the urban and rural ways of life, and how both are facing the relentless force of change. Meera and Krishnaveni, both being makeup artists but in vastly different settings, allows for a fascinating exploration of the role beauty plays in our lives, regardless of the context.

Sethum Aayiram Pon is rich with cultural undertones and offers a rare glimpse into the death rituals of rural Tamil Nadu, which is seldom portrayed in mainstream cinema. The rituals, though might seem morbid to the uninitiated, are depicted with utmost grace and respect, highlighting the importance of honoring the dead in the local culture. It serves to educate the audience about a community's earnest adherence to their traditions, a part of their identity they hold dear.

The narrative is filled with emotionally charged moments, encapsulating the universal themes of redemption, acceptance, and the bonds that tether us to our roots. The film skillfully employs the rural setting, which becomes almost a character in itself – the quaint village with its lush green landscapes, traditional homes, and the rhythmic, simple life of its inhabitants add to the film's authentic vibe.

Music and cinematography are also crucial to the film's storytelling. The music score complements the narrative and reinforces the emotional undercurrents of the film. The cinematography captures the essence of the village’s scenic beauty and the somber, dignified process of the death rituals.

Director Anand Ravichandran takes a sensitive approach to convey a story that is resonant and engaging without resorting to melodrama. The focus on character-driven storytelling makes every interaction meaningful and every revelation significant in the context of the characters' growth and the story's progression. Ravichandran weaves subtlety and depth into the screenplay, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the poignant journey of the characters.

Sethum Aayiram Pon is an invitation to reflect on the complexities of relationships, the resistance and acceptance of change, and the quiet acknowledgment of the rituals that define and bind communities. By juxtaposing the old with the new, it creates a dialogue about the value of tradition in a rapidly modernizing world, and the role of family in providing a sense of belonging and identity. It's a thought-provoking film with heart and soul, offering up not just entertainment, but also a window into a world that many might find captivatingly unfamiliar.

SETHUM AAYIRAM PON is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.