Film: K.D. (Karuppudurai)
Language: Tamil
Director: Madhumitha
Cast: Mu Ramaswamy, Nagavishal
This quirky and witty film tells the story of two individuals developing an unlikely yet beautiful bond over a road trip. The story begins with an elderly voice introducing the beauty of his village in Tamil Nadu, talking of the importance of women’s education, and then criticizing the male members of his family for being lazy while all the women are at work.
It is after this thorough introduction that we discover that the narration comes from a bed-ridden old man Karuppudurai aka KD, who has been in a coma for three months. One fine evening KD gradually wake up, only to find his children discussing to perform an ancient method of euthanasia to get rid of him and divide his property among themselves. Only of one his daughters protests to this idea while the rest outvote her. Heartbroken, the man leaves his home and sets out aimlessly in the dark.
On his journey to no specific place, he makes a new friend, Kutty – an eight-year-old orphan. Kutty inspires him to do all that he wanted but never could. The stark contrast between the two main characters brings them closer. What starts as a rather off-putting first conversation, develops into a bittersweet relationship between the grandpa-grandson duo. Some bits of the film reminds one of the grandfather-grandson relationship from the Bengali film Banchharamer Bagan (1980).
KD finds the lost direction to his life through this eccentric little boy who dares to scold him, criticize him, tease him and encourage him to set up a to-do list to fulfil his wishes.
The film speaks volumes of the importance of little joys in life, of how we live our lives not hoping for major miracles but living the moments of happiness of riding a motorbike, or reminiscing our first love, or enjoying every bit of a plateful of mutton biryani.
From the desire to consume foreign liquor to playing one’s favourite actor at a competition, to waiting eagerly for biryani for hours, and the pure joy of riding a motorbike with a friend — KD brings out the best in a man who had been on the verge of death for months. The makers have churned out a wholesome comedy with these bits building an endearing tale of the ordinary old man.
While KD is played by veteran thespian Mu Ramaswamy, his performance is undoubtedly exceptional. He portrays the character of KD flawlessly and reminds us of that some lively grandpa we know who loves to live and eat. The beloved nature of a caring grandfather towards a child could not have been expressed better in celluloid. What’s more interesting is the performance of the little boy Kutty played by Nagavishal. He carries out his persona with much élan resembling every bit of a naughty and quirky child.
The music, directed by Karthikeya Murthy, fits appropriately with the scenarios throughout the film and leaves you asking for more even when the story ends. Director Madhumitha’s poignant work of art is engaging, and sweet but does not lose the touch of reality. The well-framed shots, and interesting cinematography does justice to the film giving it a warm and emotional touch. The well-narrated story along with it’s perfect cast makes the film interesting through the two hours, never letting its viewer to take their eyes off the screen.
This feel-good movie is a must-watch as it will surely uplift one’s mood leaving a sweet aftertaste.
And that's how it's done! 