CAST & CREW
MORE CAST & CREW
Yaathisai is a Tamil-language historical fiction film released in 2023. Written and directed by Dharani Rasendran in his directorial debut, it is a fictional story revolving around the Pandyan dynasty of Madurai. It stars Shakthi Mithran Bio coming soon... >> Read More... and Seyon in lead roles along with Guru Somasundaram Guru Somasundaram is a growing actor in Tamil cine >> Read More... , Vaidehi Amarnath and others.Â
PlotÂ
The film starts with an old man rushing towards a forest with a small boy. The boy insists upon hearing the story of Ranadheera Pandiyan, the mighty Pandya King. The film begins as the old man narrates his story.
It takes us back to the 7th Century. Ranadheera Pandiyan is a powerful king who has defeated numerous clans and kingdoms such as the Cholas, Cheras, Pallavas, etc and established himself as the supreme and invincible ruler. He is the definition of all-powerful authority, but due to his tight control there are many clans in his territories who dislike him.Â
One such man is Kothi, from a tribe called the Einars, who is itching to dethrone Ranadheeran and bring glory to his tribe. Upon sealing a deal with an exiled Chola warrior, Kothi sets out to accomplish his mission. The film tells us the story of Kothi's determination and defiance against authority, Ranadheeran prowess, and the legend that was born when the two met.Â
Star Performance
Seyon plays the role of Kothi, the main character of the film. He plays his character beautifully. Kothi is an ambitious, headstrong, free-spirited man with big dreams, and Seyon brings in all of these aspects into the picture.Â
Another compelling performance is by Shakthi Mithran, who plays the role of the great Ranadheeran Pandiyan. He is regal, strong, burly -- like an emperor, if you will. His skill and strength as a warrior and his aura of an unconquerable ruler is palpable through the screen.
Vaidehi Amarnath and Rajalakshmi have also done a good job. For a cast of many new faces, the actors have added a lot of intensity and depth to the film.
Analysis
Historical Fiction is a difficult art to master. But Yaathisai is a lesson in doing just that.
Yaathisai is a gory, intense, raw film; there is no doubt about that. But at the same time it is also very nuanced in its storytelling. The film does not feel conflicting with events of history, and the plot flows seamlessly. It takes a different approach to conflict, war and power. There is an epic amount of detailing that has gone into not only the narrative, but into the setting and landscaping of the film, which make it an extremely immersive experience.Â
There is such a subtle but perfectly laid out deeper meaning to this film. Through the narrative, we see how men, no matter what clan or kingdom they belong to, will always just want power. The "men will be men" theme is strong with this one. It also comments on the helplessness of women to the male psyche; in a scene with one of the Devadasi's of Kothi, she mentions that the man who rules them does not matter, as they will have to dance for him anyway.
The cinematography of this film is also very complex but brilliant. The close-up shots during war that show us the animalistic nature of the men and their feral instincts is a perfect example of how good visuals can elevate any film. The VFX is a slight disappointment, perhaps, but a decent effort nonetheless.Â
What's There?
What's Not There?
Verdict
In the realm of historical fiction films, Yaathisai has definitely made a name for itself. With solid writing, acting, and visuals, this is a film everyone should take time out to watch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Action, Adventure
Dharani Rajendran
02 Hour 01 Minute
21-04-2023
Shakthi Mithran, Guru Somasundaram, Samar Periyasamy, Seyon, Vaidhegi Amarnath, Semmalar Annam
Plot revolves around Action, Adventure, etc.
3.5
3.52
Yes, it's rated UA
No, it will be available soon on Amazon Prime Video
Mahendran Ganesan
Dharani Rajendran
LATEST MOVIE REVIEW
MORE MOVIES WITH THESE ACTORS
LATEST MOVIE REVIEWS
WEB STORIES
TOP LISTING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST PHOTOS
LATEST ARTICLES
LATEST TRAILERS