Nirangal Moondru (2024), Fine filmmaking but poor plot

Nirangal Moondru, directed by Karthik Naren, offers an unconventional cinematic experience. The story begins with what appears to be a straightforward abduction of a young girl but soon takes unexpected turns, transitioning into a different genre. The title reflects the three shades of the narrative. Atharvaa, Sarathkumar, and Rahman play the lead roles, but despite the intriguing setup, the lack of a compelling antagonist and a weak suspense element diminishes the film’s impact. Mangoidiots gives it a Raw rating but recommends it to those who appreciate non-cliché storytelling.

The plot introduces three seemingly unrelated threads: a young boy returning from his morning tuition witnesses the kidnapping of a girl into a van; an aspiring filmmaker struggles with drug addiction and the challenges of getting his project funded; and a police officer finds it tricky handling a hit-and-run case involving a minister’s son. The way these threads converge is handled interestingly.

Among the cast, Rahman stands out with his portrayal of a dedicated teacher and loving father. Atharvaa, as the struggling filmmaker, and Sarathkumar, as the steadfast police officer, deliver performances that suit their roles well. Although the narrative centres around Ammu Abirami’s character, her limited screen time feels like a missed opportunity. Dushyanth Jayaprakash, as the young student, performs his part convincingly.

Despite the impressive editing and overall filmmaking, the screenplay falls short. The antagonist’s character lacks force, and Atharvaa’s role could have been better defined, which might have elevated the film. While the film doesn’t entirely succeed, it remains a decent attempt for those looking for fresh narratives in Tamil cinema.