“Chithha” is a 2023 Tamil-language drama movie written and directed by S. U. Arun Kumar. The film features Siddharth and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles. The title “Chithha” is derived from “Chithhappa,” which refers to a paternal uncle younger than one’s father, emphasizing the emotional bond and affection associated with such a relationship.
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Plot
In a quiet town plagued by a surge in missing women and sexual abuse cases, the story unfolds. A devoted young man who deeply cares for his niece becomes entangled in the narrative. Meanwhile, a dangerous individual who preys on children is on the run. How will this complex situation ultimately conclude?
Chithha – Movie Review
In several aspects, Chithha can be seen as a counterpart to the excellent Gargi from the previous year. Similar to Gargi, Chithha also addresses the sensitive issue of sexual abuse. Both films carry a thriller-like atmosphere but avoid sensationalism, opting for a sensitive and empathetic portrayal of the aftermath of abuse. They depict the profound effects that an accusation of sexual abuse can exert on both an individual and their family. Both films exhibit strong writing and filmmaking, concluding with hopeful resolutions that may feel somewhat unnecessary.
One notable difference in Chithha, aside from its small-town backdrop, is the gender of the main character. While Gargi featured a female protagonist who sought justice through legal means, Chithha presents a male protagonist whose response leans toward masochistic tendencies. This aspect can be seen as commentary on how men sometimes exhibit a misguided sense of righteousness in addressing crimes like abuse.
Easwaran, also known as Eesu (played by Siddharth), is the central character in Chithha. He’s been burdened with the responsibility of caring for his family from a young age. His government job in sanitation is a result of his elder brother’s sudden passing, and now he looks after his sister-in-law, Anjali Nair, and his eight-year-old niece, Sundari, who is affectionately called Settai (portrayed by Sahasra Sree).
The film portrays his rekindled romance with his former schoolmate and current coworker, Sakthi (played by Nimisha Sajayan). It also emphasizes the familial bond he shares with his friend Vadivelu, who works as a low-level undercover cop, and his niece Ponni, whose character is portrayed by S Abiya Tasneem. The movie hints at the impending tragedy that will affect all these characters, particularly in a scene where the police discuss a neighborhood notorious for being unsafe for women.
However, before this tragic turn of events, Arun Kumar skillfully portrays the heartwarming relationship between Eesu and Settai. Their bond is beautifully depicted, showcasing her affection for him and his protective instincts towards her. In an early scene, he reprimands a school watchman who jokes about Settai going home alone. Despite the impending tragedy, the film exudes a sense of positivity. Balaji Subramaniam’s cinematography adds a touch of warmth to the frames.
But then, tragedy strikes unexpectedly. It shows how even the slightest hint of doubt, triggered by seemingly harmless comments or actions like a mother choosing to sleep with her daughter, can have devastating consequences.
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Before the characters, and we, the audience, can fully process this, another distressing episode unfolds. The cinematography, now primarily handheld, creates an unsettling and apprehensive atmosphere. The writing and filmmaking become exceptionally powerful to the point that as the interval approaches, we find ourselves torn between wanting to escape the screen, fearing something terrible might happen to a character, and being captivated by the unsettling events playing out before us. The film transitions from a feel-good tone to a deeply unsettling one.
Later on, the drama transforms into a race-against-time survival thriller. However, it’s worth noting that the director’s decision to include a scene depicting the abuser’s actions is questionable. Given the inherently horrific nature of a young girl being held captive by a serial rapist and murderer, there might have been no need to explicitly show “how” it happens. Allowing the audience to imagine such scenarios could have been more effective.
Fortunately, the film quickly delivers one of the most intense sequences of the year as events unfold at a police checkpoint. The ensuing payoff is so satisfying that it elicits a strong urge to applaud.
On the flip side, the events that follow struggle to match this high point. There’s a revenge subplot that concludes with an unnecessary scene, which feels tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film, pandering to the audience. Additionally, a revelation involving a significant character lacks the element of surprise. Nevertheless, the character’s observations are incisive, and the way the scene concludes, with a victim asserting herself, is commendable.
The performances in the film are truly exceptional. Siddharth delivers an unprecedented level of intensity and grit in his role, while Nimisha Sajayan makes a confident and impactful debut. The young actresses also stand out, especially Sahasra Sree, who convincingly portrays the vulnerability and fear of a victim in a deeply moving manner.
Amidst the grimness of the narrative, there are a couple of tender moments that shine. One involves a survivor rushing to embrace a character, while another portrays the deepening bond between two friends who have shared a traumatic experience. It is these profound moments that elevate Chithha into something truly significant, particularly in the context of our current times.
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