ORANGE MITTAI REVIEW

ORANGE MITTAI  (2015)

Director: Biju Vishwanath

Casts: Vijay Sethupathi, Ramesh Thilak, Bala, Ashritha
Music: Justin
Language: Tamil
Genre: Black Comedy

Like it’s title, the film was promoted as a depiction of the bittersweet essence of life through three characters. Vijay Sethupathi is known for his gutsy and bold choice of films displaying his love for innovation and performance rather than a thirst to be a star. ‘Orange Mittai’ is expected to be another feather in his cap and certainly another needed boost to his career after several mediocre films recently. Made by the hands of a universal director, Biji Vishwanath, will this ‘Orang Mittai’ be tempting enough?

Synopsis

Sathya (Ramesh Thilak) works an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), grieves over the lost of his father a year ago and decides to start a new episode of his life with his lover, Kaaiya (Ashritha). However, he has a tussle over the idea that he has to give up his job and take over her father’s business if they marry.  In midst of this, he receives a call to attend to a 55-year old chronic kidney patient, Kailasam living in a remote village. Sathya and ambulance driver Aarumugam (Bala) drag himself or herself to the place only to realize that they have attended a demanding, stubborn old man who will change their perception of life forever.

Story – Screenplay

‘Orange Mittai’ not only explores the depth of neglected relationship in our life but also the commonly forgotten rule of living your life to the fullest. Through Sathya and Kailasam, Biju Vishwanath depicts the importance of filial piety and the isolation of a neglected elderly. When the two ideas meet through the characters, what we see on screen is beautiful. The beauty of ‘Orange Mittai’ is its non-preachy nature.

Biju Vishwanath has used silence at many parts of the script to convey so much of depth and meaning. The characters are extremely relatable and no one appear to be ‘acting’ at any scene. The director has carefully etched his character, thrown them into a difficult situation and let the comedy flow effortlessly. Vijay Sethupathy takes a new avatar as the dialogue writer and earns the lauds at many scenes with his sheer wittiness.

Even though the climax escalation is powerfully written one might feel that the film warrant a better closure.  The restlessness emerging at the final shot might be due to the heavy set-up of Vijay Sethupathi’s character and when the reason is revealed the audience might be left to a feeling to know more.

Casting & Performance

Undoubtedly, the film belongs to Vijay Sethupathi. He is extremely convincing as a 55 year old man with a due credit to the good make-up as well. He talks, walks and lives as the character throughout the film. Ten minutes into his intro scene, we forget the actor and start to see only Kailasam. With audacious attitude and subtle emotions, he displays sheer class in acting. Exploration like these will no doubt bring him even further in his career.

Ramesh Thilak as always delivers his part well too. The actor is rising fast with choice of good films and certainly ‘Orange Mittai’ is his best till date. He is almost on par with Vijay Sethupathi at many scenes, especially towards the climax where he walks away with applause.

Aarumugam is the real shocker here with his loud nature and emotions. His interactions with Vijay Sethupathi will leave everyone in splits. Their clash of character is one of the engaging factors of the film. He is a definite talent to watch out for. Ashritha as Kaavya does her limited role well too.

To repeat, Biju Vishwanath has utilized all the actors well and brought the characters alive by using the actors’ full potential.

Technicality

It is always an advantage if the director himself handles the cinematography and editing, as it will be the most accurate vision to be brought out. One great example will be ace director Balumahendra.

Biju Vishwanath’s cinematography is serene and warm as the film’s theme. Even though the silhouetted shots and many handheld movements gives us a little documentary feel, it really enhances the director’s vision which was to depict reality, real situation and characters. Biju very crisply edits the film as well, with running time of 101 minutes. 

‘Pannaiyaarum Padminiyum’ fame, Justin Prabahkaran’s music is another added strength to the film. His warm soothing BGM and narrative driven songs perfectly flows with the film well, gradually gelling as one of the characters in the film.

Biju Vishwanath presents his genuine idea in a very simple way, technically.

Bottomline

Simple and hard-hitting, ‘Orange Mittai’ will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

Verdict: Sweet and sour

Movie Rating:  3.5/5

Director’s crown – BIJU VISHWANATH : 

By Kannan Vijayakumar