Dada
Dada (Father) is part romance, part drama with bits of comedy thrown in at the right times. It is a sweet and poignant film about the realities of young love when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Mani and Sindhu have been in a long relationship and are about to graduate from college. Her pregnancy causes opposite reactions in them. Sindhu wants to keep the child and willingly takes on the responsibilities of setting up a home. Mani’s first thoughts are to dismiss the problem with an abortion. When Sindhu refuses, he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of providing for his newly formed family. Doing his best to finish college and keep a warehouse job, Mani is constantly worried about money. Sindhu is often emotional and irritable. A series of misunderstandings lead to his resentment and her health complications. In the end, Mani is left to raise the baby on his own. Well written and directed by Ganesh K. Babu in his debut, Kavin as Mani, is very effective in showing each transition he must make under difficult circumstances. Aparna Das is wonderful at showing every reaction caused by the state of her changing body. Released February 10, 2023.
Appatha
Kannamma rans a village pickle kitchen where she teaches the art to younger women. They appreciate and respect her and they fondly call her Appatha (grandmother). Kannamma is a widow, and her only son, Sam, lives with his wife and son in a gated community in Chennai. Sam, a disagreeable child, and a more disagreeable adult, never let Kannamma forget how embarrassed he was by his mother’s pickle-making. Upon gaining his independence, he left the village and never returned, rarely calling to inquire about Kannamma’s health and happiness. One day Sam calls asking Kannamma to visit. He doesn’t tell her until she arrives that he wants her to take care of his dog while he and the family vacation. Because she wants to please Sam, Kannamma fearfully agrees. It seems she was bitten by a dog as a child and had to suffer painful injections. Alone with the very large dog, the comedy starts. Appatha is a wonderfully warm family comedy that shows the strength and endurance many older women face for the love of their families. Actress Urvashi is perfect as Kannamma and this is her 700th movie! Appatha is directed by Priyadarshan. It is streaming on Jio Cinema and Einthusan. Released July 2023.
Ponniyin Selvan 2
Jailer
