If this movie was in Hollywood it would be the best movie in 2016 so far.the film owes more to Alfred Hitchcock and Rear Window. As in the older film, a neighbor ends up murdered. And the protagonist is limited by a condition. In Stewart's case, it was a foot-fracture. Ravi suffers from tunnel vision. He can only see what's directly ahead, which appears as a small circle in a sea of black. But the bigger difference is that Rear Window concerned itself with the murder and apprehending the perpetrator, while Kutrame Thandanai is after something more
existential.directing is somewhat good but the acting is amazing. Really the best neo-noir crime psychological thriller film cinematography i watched after secret in their eyes Argentinian copy.
18 Reviews
After Kaaka Muttai, Manikandan establishes himself as a solid versatile filmmaker with this crime thriller/drama.
sriramanadvocate26 December 2016
When the writer & director of the path-breaking Kaaka Muttai joins hands with Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for a crime thriller drama, the movie is bound to raise some eyebrows. Especially since the movie was officially selected in film festival circuit, the expectations doubled in a year which saw movies like Visaranai, Uriyadi and Joker release.
Technically the movie is quite brilliant led by Manikandan who is also the cinematographer of the film. The tone of the film, the mood of the scenes and the drama of the characters as they unfold are captured and brought to light in a splendid manner. Special mention to the time lapse shots, the tunnel vision shots & various close-ups including that of bird cage. Editor Anucharan is a huge plus as he maintains focus on the narrative with a neatly cut run time of 100 minutes and is instrumental in keeping the audience engrossed.
The performances of the movie do justice to the characters written. Vidarth who also produces the movie does justice to his role and is able to maintain the continuity in character which helps a huge deal in thriller screenplays. Pooja Devariya along with others including the likes of Nasser, Rahman & Guru Somasundaram ably support this film which is focused only on a handful of characters. In this crime thriller, Manikandan shares story writing credits with Anand Annamalai. The setting of the movie within the confines of a housing apartment and the characterization of the lead is inspired and seems to be a nod/tribute to the Master of Suspense Sir Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window.
Although the movie closely relates to the events of a murder and the fall out the ensuing investigation reminiscent of the trademark crime thrillers, the writing of Manikandan also puts forward a moral question/dilemma resulting in a poignant climax showcasing the originality in writing. The screenplay of the movie is handled delicately as there is enough drama to engage and suspense enough to engross. Kudos to Manikandan for not adopting the 'what next' approach instead opting for the slowly built moments leading up to the closure subtly in tune with the theme of the film.
Even though the story is narrated from the point of view of the protagonist, the victims of the movie and their plight was not addressed by the screenplay which made the narration incomplete and anti-climatic with respect to those characters and in a way affected the otherwise poetic climax. The characterisation of Nasser with whom the protagonist shares the events also felt incomplete and did not quite gel into the story as such. Certain scene constructions if thought of from a different point of view could have added more drama and suspense to the script as such. Because of these, the movie may give the 'something missing' vibe.
The background score of the movie is its biggest asset. The score by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja stands testament to the fact that he is one of the best film music composers and his mastery over the art is very evident wherein the places where he remains silent and where he scores are perfection. The instrumentation and the layering of the score elevate the movie manifold and convey the emotions originally conceived by the writer & director. As Manikandan mentioned in an interview, Maestro's presence is felt from the very first second of the film till the last. The title score, the police investigation sequence, the reveal sequence, the climax etcc literally are a lesson for other music directors. Only Maestro Ilaiyaraaja can compose such a perfect score which is worthy of any award.
Kuttramae Thandanai belongs to a very rare breed of films where the narration is focused and all the moments of the film are dictated by the plot. After Kaaka Muttai, Manikandan establishes himself as a solid versatile filmmaker with this crime thriller/drama. I am certainly looking forward to his next two films Aandavan Kattalai and Kadaisi Vivasaayee. This is a movie to be appreciated, supported and can be viewed multiples times just to experience the musical score
Technically the movie is quite brilliant led by Manikandan who is also the cinematographer of the film. The tone of the film, the mood of the scenes and the drama of the characters as they unfold are captured and brought to light in a splendid manner. Special mention to the time lapse shots, the tunnel vision shots & various close-ups including that of bird cage. Editor Anucharan is a huge plus as he maintains focus on the narrative with a neatly cut run time of 100 minutes and is instrumental in keeping the audience engrossed.
The performances of the movie do justice to the characters written. Vidarth who also produces the movie does justice to his role and is able to maintain the continuity in character which helps a huge deal in thriller screenplays. Pooja Devariya along with others including the likes of Nasser, Rahman & Guru Somasundaram ably support this film which is focused only on a handful of characters. In this crime thriller, Manikandan shares story writing credits with Anand Annamalai. The setting of the movie within the confines of a housing apartment and the characterization of the lead is inspired and seems to be a nod/tribute to the Master of Suspense Sir Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window.
Although the movie closely relates to the events of a murder and the fall out the ensuing investigation reminiscent of the trademark crime thrillers, the writing of Manikandan also puts forward a moral question/dilemma resulting in a poignant climax showcasing the originality in writing. The screenplay of the movie is handled delicately as there is enough drama to engage and suspense enough to engross. Kudos to Manikandan for not adopting the 'what next' approach instead opting for the slowly built moments leading up to the closure subtly in tune with the theme of the film.
Even though the story is narrated from the point of view of the protagonist, the victims of the movie and their plight was not addressed by the screenplay which made the narration incomplete and anti-climatic with respect to those characters and in a way affected the otherwise poetic climax. The characterisation of Nasser with whom the protagonist shares the events also felt incomplete and did not quite gel into the story as such. Certain scene constructions if thought of from a different point of view could have added more drama and suspense to the script as such. Because of these, the movie may give the 'something missing' vibe.
The background score of the movie is its biggest asset. The score by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja stands testament to the fact that he is one of the best film music composers and his mastery over the art is very evident wherein the places where he remains silent and where he scores are perfection. The instrumentation and the layering of the score elevate the movie manifold and convey the emotions originally conceived by the writer & director. As Manikandan mentioned in an interview, Maestro's presence is felt from the very first second of the film till the last. The title score, the police investigation sequence, the reveal sequence, the climax etcc literally are a lesson for other music directors. Only Maestro Ilaiyaraaja can compose such a perfect score which is worthy of any award.
Kuttramae Thandanai belongs to a very rare breed of films where the narration is focused and all the moments of the film are dictated by the plot. After Kaaka Muttai, Manikandan establishes himself as a solid versatile filmmaker with this crime thriller/drama. I am certainly looking forward to his next two films Aandavan Kattalai and Kadaisi Vivasaayee. This is a movie to be appreciated, supported and can be viewed multiples times just to experience the musical score
A Well Knit Thriller
aji4u4ever21 January 2017
Movie Marathon V.4 # 010
Kutrame Thandanai is a crime drama thriller directed by the national award winner M. Manikandan. This movie deals an entirely different theme from his previous directorial "Kakka Muttai".
Story revolves around a murder witnessed by youngster who is suffering from tunnel vision and its conspiracy. Vidharth plays the youngster and he performed well whole throughout. Rahman plays a business tycoon which was perfectly casted and he delivers in style. Pooja Devaraya, Ishwarya Santhosh plays the female lead and they were also good at their roles. All the characters were perfectly written and with a tighter screenplay makes this movie a brilliant one. The execution was top notch, Ilaiyaraaja's music was okay at some places but I think he is out of his creations. He used unwanted music at majority places and somewhat noisy. Camera-work was extraordinary.
Kuttrame Thandanai is outstanding in its own ways, story, twists and the portrayals.
My rating 7.8 on 10
Kutrame Thandanai is a crime drama thriller directed by the national award winner M. Manikandan. This movie deals an entirely different theme from his previous directorial "Kakka Muttai".
Story revolves around a murder witnessed by youngster who is suffering from tunnel vision and its conspiracy. Vidharth plays the youngster and he performed well whole throughout. Rahman plays a business tycoon which was perfectly casted and he delivers in style. Pooja Devaraya, Ishwarya Santhosh plays the female lead and they were also good at their roles. All the characters were perfectly written and with a tighter screenplay makes this movie a brilliant one. The execution was top notch, Ilaiyaraaja's music was okay at some places but I think he is out of his creations. He used unwanted music at majority places and somewhat noisy. Camera-work was extraordinary.
Kuttrame Thandanai is outstanding in its own ways, story, twists and the portrayals.
My rating 7.8 on 10
Introspective and masterful
cinish25 December 2019
Amazingly introspective. As you tread through the rights and wrongs of life, the wrongs will leave their mark in your conscience. There is no escaping that.
The whodunit is there. While it is pretty good, that is just one of the seemingly insignificant layers.
The director's mastery makes us feel the tunnel vision that Ravi is going through.
Vidharth has done a wonderful job of playing the main protagonist and had my full attention as the viewer as he walks through the character's destinies that the movie maker had set him.
Rahman has done his part quite well. Nassar has been perfect as you would expect from a veteran of that stature.
The whole movie feels like a well integrated multilayered jigsaw puzzle with all threads blended in perfectly.
Vidharth's acting stood out the most in the movie.Third Manikandan movie after "Kaakka Muttai" and "Aandavan Kattalai". All three are so different. This one is my favorite. Highly recommended.
The whodunit is there. While it is pretty good, that is just one of the seemingly insignificant layers.
The director's mastery makes us feel the tunnel vision that Ravi is going through.
Vidharth has done a wonderful job of playing the main protagonist and had my full attention as the viewer as he walks through the character's destinies that the movie maker had set him.
Rahman has done his part quite well. Nassar has been perfect as you would expect from a veteran of that stature.
The whole movie feels like a well integrated multilayered jigsaw puzzle with all threads blended in perfectly.
Vidharth's acting stood out the most in the movie.Third Manikandan movie after "Kaakka Muttai" and "Aandavan Kattalai". All three are so different. This one is my favorite. Highly recommended.
Crime never pays
abhijeet-3323427 March 2020
What I just saw?
Murder mystery having an eye witness
Who is suffering from a tunnel vision which itself is a rare disease.
Sometimes I imagine
Why don't the Bollywood film makers make these kinds of movies?
Coming back to the movie:
It a edge of a seat thriller with a great direction, acting and screenplay.
The best part is the climax.
I always dislike the movies having incomplete script or which ends with injustice.
As the title itself tells that you can never escape from your sins.
Overall: A must watch for the thriller lovers.
It will attract you right from its casting scenes.
Lion Shiva Hindi Dubbed at Venus Movies channel (You tube)
aks-772236 September 2020
Simple turned into Mindblowing
bansodritesh19 April 2020
Once Quentine Tarantino said he is the student of the cinema, a great director statements having deep meaning and this movie should watch by him if he somehow my review.
This movie is so simple, the way it follows, the characters, the plot is so simple, haves a big spark when the movie ends. Protagonist suffering from rare disease of loosing eyesight and for operation of his eyes he starts blackmailing two men who suspects in the murder of a girl.
This sound interesting, what everyone imagines, building high tensions, sore dialogues, some big fights everyone imagine the same. But it build every thing but in a very simple form, and that's the flavor of this movie.
It gave me a lesson that Thriller genere is not about dark scenes, dark shades or colors, low high camera angles, but simple story telling and ofcourse good direction and acting.
I recommend every one should watch this movie.
This movie is so simple, the way it follows, the characters, the plot is so simple, haves a big spark when the movie ends. Protagonist suffering from rare disease of loosing eyesight and for operation of his eyes he starts blackmailing two men who suspects in the murder of a girl.
This sound interesting, what everyone imagines, building high tensions, sore dialogues, some big fights everyone imagine the same. But it build every thing but in a very simple form, and that's the flavor of this movie.
It gave me a lesson that Thriller genere is not about dark scenes, dark shades or colors, low high camera angles, but simple story telling and ofcourse good direction and acting.
I recommend every one should watch this movie.
OVERRATED MOVIE...OBVIOUS GUESS
virazz9 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Most over rated flick...There are better mind twisting suspense movies than this one.. Once u start watching this movie...Anybody will guess who is the killer....Motive!!! Only one guy had...and thats the actor....just to get his vision back! Dont know why it has received so much praise...There are better tamil and malayalam mystery thriller movies...this one's a let down!
Over-rated
stangerjoe2 July 2018
Worth watching
sathyaaero8 August 2020
A simple story with extraordinary screenplay, concept and narrating. The performance of the actor who has the Tunnel vision played his role really well. And Rahman who played as a company head officer also performed his role good. The bgm score was perfectly matched to the scene tense. Not even a single scene made me bored while watching. The viewers can't able to guess the Climax, an eye opening moment. This film also has a good message to the society and viewers. Worth watch and MUST WATCH.
Kuttrame Thandanai (2016)
santhosh-1029022 March 2018
The movie was so good. The movie was very interesting and thrilling. Everybody acted good in the movie. The movie was not boring but the movie was so small. There can be more detailing in the movie. But the movie was so good.
Not like other thrillers
pritambag3 May 2020
An open ended thriller which is grounded more to reality. The story plot from the first itself keeps you engaging. The no. of twists and turns are less but a major 180° twist of the plot shuts everything down. Moreover the film is good so I will highly recommend it.
Nice story and direction.
millichk21 April 2020
Kuttrame Thandanai : Lion Shiva
soumyalal218 July 2020
The story revolves around a murder of a girl,2 suspects have been spotted by a neighbor Shiva. Shiva a credit card agent has a ratina problem for which he has a tunnel vision. Story is strong till the climax you cant guess who is the murderer. Last 30mins of the movie will definitely shock you. Great performance by the lead actor.
Outstanding
Abdul_karim00728 May 2020
Simple answer- Watch worthy for passing time.
parvigp25 August 2023
A story that you can follow. It won't surprise you or disappoint you. A simply good presentation will keep your attention.
As for me, I only watched it for passing time.
It's not a mass entertainment. And norther a hidden gem.
The story is predictable and simple.
It's different from the summers you see in imdb. It lacks the movie watching feel .
But with all this flaws it's still not a unwatchable movie. It is not a bad movie that you will regret watching.
Final conclusion.
If you have free time to pass. Don't consider minor flaws. Don't expect a high tier entertainment you can find this enjoyable for you.
I will give it a rating of 6.4.
As for me, I only watched it for passing time.
It's not a mass entertainment. And norther a hidden gem.
The story is predictable and simple.
It's different from the summers you see in imdb. It lacks the movie watching feel .
But with all this flaws it's still not a unwatchable movie. It is not a bad movie that you will regret watching.
Final conclusion.
If you have free time to pass. Don't consider minor flaws. Don't expect a high tier entertainment you can find this enjoyable for you.
I will give it a rating of 6.4.
wonderful climax
hackercc-7916521 May 2021
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