Pariyerum Perumal Review – Pariyerum Perumal is a Tamil drama released in 2018.  Pariyan is a youth from a village who aspires to become a lawyer and joins law school. As he struggles with English, a girl in his class named Jo helps him out with it. But their friendship does not go well with her family as Pariyan is from the oppressed caste.

The movie is very intensive right from the beginning and brings out the darker side of casteism based divide in the society. In the first few minutes of the movie the plot line becomes clear as Pariyan’s beloved dog (Karuppi) becomes victim of the caste based fight. The stereotypical social practices come into light during various scenes in the movie like the one where he sits in the back bench, Different glasses are given in the tea shop based on the caste, People do not sit in the bus near a oppressed caste person,  honor killing, Law college not teaching in local language although there is provision for taking exams in the local language. The desperation of folks from oppressed caste not able to lead a simple life by not getting into any fights is depicted well. The closing shot of two tea glasses on the same table is an aspiration from the film maker.

The character of the old man who is a mason and assassin used for honor killings is definitely portrayed very well and brings in thrills in many scenes. The lead actors Kathir and Anandhi have performed well. Yogi Babu brings in some laughs in an otherwise a very serious script. Also he is a character who is the representation of folks who do not mind caste of people while Anandhi’s character is of a person who is ignorant of the whole problem. Each of the characters highlight various facets of the society which is quite brilliant writing. Director Mari Selvaraj backed by Producer Pa. Ranjith definitely scores high in his first movie.

High Point: Very strong script on the prevailing issue of casteism, The script not falling for the stereotypical gangster uprising, the characterization of the lead pairs, the mason and Anand played by Yogi Babu.

Low Point: The raw violence may not suit all audience although the film is rated as suitable for all ages.

Overall Pariyerum Perumal is a hard hitting movie that asks tough questions against the caste based social divide in the society. If you love intriguing realistic drama, then this one is a Must watch for you.

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