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Directed By: Era Saravanan
Music By: Ghibran
Produced By: Era Entertainment – Era Saravanan
Cast: M. Sasikumar, Sruthi Periyasamy, Balaji Sakthivel, Durai Sudhakar, Samuthirakani, Stalin, V. Gnanavelu, G.M. Kumar, Sithan Mohan, Sakthi Saravanan
Plot Summary:
Nandan focuses on the harsh realities of caste discrimination and social inequalities in village panchayats. The story follows Ambedkar Kumar, played by M. Sasikumar, who works as a “cool pot” (a derogatory term for a menial worker) but later becomes the panchayat president with the intention of improving his community. Despite his rise to power, he confronts the persistent caste-based oppression that remains unchallenged, even in leadership positions.
Performances:
- M. Sasikumar (Ambedkar Kumar): Shines in a new avatar, moving away from his typical roles to deliver a powerful performance. He effectively conveys the frustrations and complexities of his character’s struggle against systemic oppression.
- Sruthi Periyasamy: Plays the heroine with conviction and emotional depth, complementing Sasikumar’s performance.
- Balaji Sakthivel: Stands out as a villain, portraying the menace of caste bigotry with chilling precision. His performance is a major highlight of the film.
- Durai Sudhakar: Matches Sakthivel’s intensity in his role as a real estate businessman.
Supporting Cast:
Samuthirakani, Stalin, V. Gnanavelu, and G.M. Kumar lend credibility to their roles, contributing to the emotional and social weight of the story.
Music:
Ghibran’s music follows the tone of the film but falls short of leaving a lasting impact. While the background score is serviceable, it doesn’t elevate the film as much as expected.
Cinematography:
Cinematographer RV Saravanan does an excellent job in capturing the essence of village life while highlighting the emotions and struggles of the characters, providing the right visual tone for the story.
Direction and Production:
Director Era Saravanan tackles the sensitive subject of caste discrimination and the failures of the electoral system meant to empower marginalized communities. Through the protagonist’s journey, Saravanan draws attention to the reality that power and leadership do not always lead to meaningful change in deeply entrenched caste systems. The dialogue, “I thought we need power to rule, but we need power to live,” resonates as a powerful reflection of the film’s message.
However, while the intent is commendable, the film doesn’t fully succeed in engaging the audience emotionally. The execution lacks the intensity needed to connect deeply with the viewers, leaving the audience more informed than emotionally moved.
Verdict:
Nandan is a thought-provoking film that brings to light important social issues, particularly caste oppression, and the limitations of political power. Sasikumar’s transformation and Balaji Sakthivel’s menacing performance stand out, but the film’s inability to completely immerse the audience in the emotional turmoil of its characters holds it back.
Rating: 3/5
