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Released on December 29, 2016, Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (D-16) is a Tamil-language mystery-thriller film written and directed by Karthick Naren. This neo-noir thriller marked the directorial debut of Karthick, who was just 22 years old at the time, and features Rahman in the lead role. With its gripping narrative and unconventional storytelling, the movie has earned critical acclaim. This review explores the movie’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal.
Plot Summary
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru follows Deepak, a retired police officer, as he recounts the events of his last case to a curious visitor. The case involves a murder that spirals into a web of interconnected mysteries, each revealing new twists and turns. Set against the backdrop of Coimbatore, the movie’s nonlinear narrative structure keeps the audience guessing until the very end. With each layer of the story unraveled, the stakes grow higher, culminating in an unexpected climax.
What’s Good?
One of the standout aspects of Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru is its brilliant direction. Karthick Naren’s screenplay is meticulously crafted, weaving an intricate plot that keeps the audience hooked. His ability to manage such a complex storyline with precision speaks volumes about his talent.
Rahman delivers a commendable performance as Deepak. His portrayal of a weary yet determined investigator is both convincing and emotionally resonant. The character’s journey is brought to life through subtle expressions and body language, highlighting Rahman’s acting prowess.
The cinematography by Sujith Sarang is another highlight. The movie’s visual palette perfectly complements its dark and brooding tone. The lighting, framing, and camera movements enhance the suspense, creating an immersive experience.
Jakes Bejoy’s music and background score are equally noteworthy. The haunting score amplifies the tension and blends seamlessly with the narrative, enhancing the film’s atmosphere.
The editing by Sreejith Sarang ensures that the non-linear storytelling remains coherent. The transitions between different timelines are smooth, maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout the runtime.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Tight Screenplay: The movie’s plot is tightly woven, leaving no room for unnecessary subplots or distractions.
- Strong Performances: Rahman’s performance and the supporting cast’s contributions elevate the movie.
- Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, music, and editing are all top-notch, adding depth to the film’s storytelling.
- Engaging Narrative: The twists and turns keep the audience guessing, making the movie an exciting watch.
Weaknesses
- Slow Pacing: The movie’s deliberate pacing might feel slow for viewers accustomed to faster narratives.
- Complexity: The layered storytelling may confuse some viewers, especially during the initial portions of the film.
- Limited Emotional Depth: While the plot is intriguing, the emotional connection with the characters could have been stronger.
Target Audience
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru is an ideal watch for fans of mystery and thriller genres. Those who enjoy movies with complex plots and unconventional narratives will appreciate its intricate storytelling. The film’s dark tone and suspenseful atmosphere make it more suitable for mature audiences who prefer cerebral cinema over conventional action or romance.
Box Office Details
- Budget: INR 2 crores (approx.)
- Worldwide Collection: INR 9 crores (approx.)
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: INR 1.2 crores (India) | INR 0.4 crores (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 1.0 crores (India) | INR 0.3 crores (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 0.9 crores (India) | INR 0.2 crores (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 0.8 crores (India) | INR 0.2 crores (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 0.7 crores (India) | INR 0.1 crores (Overseas)
Despite its modest budget, the film’s impressive storytelling and word-of-mouth publicity contributed to its success at the box office, making it a profitable venture.
Recommendation
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru is a masterclass in storytelling, proving that strong content can shine even without a big budget. Karthick Naren’s direction and Rahman’s performance make it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. If you enjoy intelligent cinema with unexpected twists, this film is highly recommended.
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Crime, Mystery
Rating:
7.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rahman | Deepak |
| Ashwin Kumar | Aspiring IPS officer |
| Pradeep | Rajan |
| Santosh Krishna | Fabian |
| Praveen | Mano |
| Karthikeyan | Melvin |
| Anjana Jayaprakash | Vaishnavi |
| Yashika Anand | Shruti |
| Kunal Kaushik | Rajiv |
| Vinod Varma | Krish |
| Bala Hasan | Prem |
| Sharath Ravi | Paperboy |
| S.M. Sivakumar | |
| Karthick Naren | Short film Director |
| Delhi Ganesh | Krish’s Father |
| Sivaram Ramanathan | Imaginary Killer (Uncredited) |
| Prakash Raghavan | Gautham |
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