Leave aside the debates about originality and Vijay is one of the most versatile filmmakers we have. Starting from Kireedom each of his film has been drastically different from the other and now Saivam follows suit and is as different as chalk and cheese from his previous Thalaiva. What does the young man have in store for us this time?

Plot:

It is a very simple tale revolving around a family whose members from elsewhere have gathered together in their ancestral home to take part in the village festivities. At the backdrop of this is narrated a charming little bond between a kid and a rooster.

Cast:

This is a film that does not have a hero or heroine in the conventional sense. What we get in the entire two hours is an experience of having visited this family and being a part of their love and animosities. Each one of the artist has done a commendable job. Sara does not really have to do much as her angelic face is enough to bowl us over. In a more subdued role when compared with Deiva Thirumagal the kid once again impresses, this time through her slightly mature portrayal. Nasser’s commanding presence is evident from the start and he brings to life the longing of an aged person to spend time with his loved ones. The other kid who plays Sara’s nemesis is a riot.

Crew:

Vijay’s long trusted crew of G.V.Prakash, Nirav Shah and Antony continue their admirable work in Saivam too. The songs gel well with the ambience and narrative. Nirav’s frames starting from the first shot which panes over the sky as we hear people conversing from the market beneath are so easy on the eye.

Direction:

Vijay once again proves that he is quite a master at capturing human emotions at it’s fragile best.  As a film that starts off saying it is an effort from the crew to promote vegetarianism it is heartening to note that at no point you have any effort of sermonizing the audience. The maker has been able to extract natural performances from everyone and this complete lack of artificiality is the soul of Saivam. The little romantic track involving two teenagers in the family is cutely captured. At just over two hours Vijay has also made sure that he has not extended the length of the film beyond necessity.A few scenes are definitely melodramatic. But what comes to the rescue is that the narrative moves quickly to the next scene and we are not left at that moment to get restless.

Bottomline:

Saivam gives you the feel of a pleasant vegetarian dinner and provides the audience some food for thought.

Verdict:

Rating:3.25/5

Saivam User Rating