To Let (U)
21/Feb/2019 Family, Drama 99mins

3.25

Pure Cinema That Keeps It Simple And Effective!

ToLet is not an overtly political film but Chezian does point fingers at the absurdities in the society. For instance, the irony of people from the film industry finding it difficult to get rental homes but being welcomed with a red carpet to rule Tamil Nadu. And as the film shows, money isn't the o...(more)

Source: Bharath Vijayakumar, MovieCrow

3.50

A moving drama about middle-class dreams and reality

Chezhiyan treats To Let as realistically as possible. The influence of world cinema is quite evident in his treatment and rich tributes are paid to the masters like Mrinal Sen and Akira Kurosawa among others. The film features mostly newcomers but their performances really standout. Siddharth as Dha...(more)

Source: Haricharan Pudipeddi, Hindustan Times

3.00

An Earnest Portrait Of A Family's Struggle To Find A Rented House

That was also a single-minded story about a search (for a pair of missing shoes) - but the one-note premise blooms with a number of "moments". To Let could have used some of this tonal variation. In the performances, too. We get the mannered �Indian art film acting� � the downcast faces, the pauses ...(more)

Source: BARADWAJ RANGAN, Filmcompanion.in

3.25

To Let is an honest reflection of the lower middle class' forage for a dream home. An adroit piece of art that must not be missed.

To Let beautifully explains that, and transcends the definition of cinema to become an experience that everyone must feel. Chezhiyan has made a brilliant piece of art called To Let. It's our duty to not let theatres look like empty houses with the To Let board.(more)

Source: Behindwoods Review Board, Behindwoods.com

4.00

An authentic bittersweet family drama

The film is Chezhiyan's sincere attempt to tell a story in the most realistic way. Hence, it comes as no surprise that it won the National Award under the Best Tamil Film category.(more)

Source: subhakeerthana, Indian Express

3.25

A beautiful portrait of memories

To Let is a careful manifestation of art cinema. The couple gets an expensive offer from a broker. They have no other option but to take it. On the way back, Amudha says, "Ilango, innoruvaati andha vazhiya poriya?" They take one last look at the house. By this time, the fourth wall breaks. Everythin...(more)

Source: Srivatsan , The Hindu

4.00

To Let manages to hold you in its grip and provides a moving experience

In the initial portions of the film, we repeatedly get throwaway shots of a sparrow that has built its nest inside the family's home. Its fate gets decided by an act of momentary forgetfulness while a character enjoys a simple comfort. In a way, families like Ilango's are like that bird, their fate ...(more)

Source: Suganth, Times Of India

3.00

An Update On Balu Mahendra's 'Veedu' For A Post-Liberalization Era

To Let works like an upgrade on Balu Mahendr's film for a post-liberalization era. The 2007-set film is informed by past and present where socio-economic disparities have only grown larger. One can even say it is informed by the film's future - the present times- when there is a strong reinforcement...(more)

Source: ADITYA SHRIKRISHNA , Silverscreen.in