Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa Movie Review: 5 Fresh Takes On Pandemic That Leave Us With Mixed Feelings

Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa, the much-awaited anthology film is finally premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The project consists of 5 short films, that are directed by Balaji Mohan, Halitha Shameem, Madhumita, Suriya Krishna, and Richard Anthony. Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa, which is the second installment of the much-loved anthology Putham Pudhu Kaalai, focuses mainly on the second wave of the pandemic.

Did the Amazon Prime Video project live up to expectations? Read Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa movie review here to know...

Muga Kavasa Mutham

Director: Balaji Mohan

Cast: Gouri G Kishan, Tejeenthan Arunasalam, Kallori Vinoth

Muga Kavasa Mutham, the first segment of Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa revolves around the story of cops who handles the covid safety duty. This Balaji Mohan directorial is a fun-filled watch at most of its parts, with some light moments and romance between the lead pair Kuyili and Murugan, played by Gouri and Tejeenthan. However, at parts the film loses its grip, thus failing to keep the viewers engaged.

The Loners

Director: Halitha Shameem

Cast: Lijomol Jose, Arjun Das

The Loners, directed by Halitha Shameem is the second segment of Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa. The shortfilm, which features the brilliant Lijomol Jose and an equally good Arjun Das in the lead roles, is simply a heartwarming watch. Director Halitha packs in a film that travels through everything that made the second wave of the pandemic distinct, from online weddings and gatherings to the demise of the talents we admired. The honest writing and exceptional performances make The Loners highly relatable.

Mouname Paarvaiyaal

Director: Madhumita

Cast: Nadia Moidu, Joju George

Mouname Paarvaiyaal, the third segment of Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa, which is directed by Madhumita revolves around the emotionally estranged couple Murali and Yashoda. This shortfilm focuses on the inability of humans to convey their true feelings to close ones. Nadia and Joju, the lead pair, and their distinctive chemistry make this Madhumita directorial an enjoyable watch. The clever references to old songs (including the title of the film itself) deserve extra brownie points.

The Mask

Director: Suriya Krishna

Cast: Sananth, Dileep Subbarayan

The Mask, which is directed by debutant Suriya Krishna is one short film of the Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa anthology that is relevant even in a pandemic-free world. The viewers are introduced to the protagonist (Sananth), who is scared to inform his parents about his love interest. The mental claustrophobia faced by the queer community is narrated effectively, even though the pandemic setting really doesn't fit in, which makes the narrative look forceful at parts.

Nizhal Tharum Idam

Director: Richard Anthony

Cast: Aishwarya Lekshmi

Nizhal Tharum Idam, the last shortfilm of the Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa anthology is helmed by Richard Anthony. The central character, which is fantastically played by Aishwarya Lekshmi, heads back to her home in Pondicherry only to finally let out the emotional baggage that she was carrying over the years. The film, which focuses on letting go of things that haunt us and carrying on in life, is neatly made and moving.

Verdict

Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa brings 5 fresh takes on the pandemic that leave us with mixed feelings. While a couple of short films are well-made, others fail to create an impact. But this anthology is worth a try.