Karnan

Karnan is a critically acclaimed Tamil action-drama movie directed by Mari Selvaraj. The movie stars Dhanush in the role of Karnan, Lal, Yogi Babu, Azhagam Perumal and others. Dhanush has done an outstanding job as Karnan. he is exceptional in each and every frame .be it a fight scene, emotionally charged scene or a romantic scene. He has lived the character and we can actually see the raw emotions he experiences as he sees the troubles his village and the villagers go through just to lead a life of respect and do well for themselves. The story of the film is loosely influenced from the 1995 Kodiyankulam caste violence that happened in Thoothukudi district. Just knowing that this movie is based on some real life incidents gives me goosebumps. It is painful and shameful to know that such things actually have happened!

Karnan is a brave and aggressive village youth who is trying his best to get a placement in the military. His village is seeped with problems, the main one being the absence of a bus stop in their village. The villagers have to travel to another village to catch the bus and that too is not a viable option for them. There are many instances where they are humiliated and faced by oppression of the neighbouring village. The location is breath taking and apt for the movie. Each and every character has played the role brilliantly. The story narration is fast paced and gets us worked up at the crucial scenes. I could not stop my tears specially during the two climax scenes at the police station and then later on at the village when the Collector comes to visit the village. 

The film features music composed by Santhosh Narayanan and the cinematography is handled by Theni Eswar. The editing is done by Selva R.K. Each and every song is melodious and full of meaning. The music is foot tapping and I loved the song about not giving up. The background score is excellent. There is a huge amount of violence in the film. The action scenes are superb and so are the song picturizations. The film is all about the atrocities faced by the village and how they do their best to overcome them with Karnan as their flag-bearer.

This film was launched in January 2020 and it was mostly set in the suburbs of Thoothukudi district where the caste violence happened and on which the film is based. The film is path-breaking and realistic. It makes us shudder to think that things like this can happen. All the performances are amazing but Dhanush stands out for his brilliant portrayal as Karnan, the saviour of the village. 

This movie is a must watch for many reasons. The performances, music and story line and the message is what stands out as spectacular. I have never been a fan of Dhanush, yet I must say, he is exceptional in his role as Karnan.