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Thrisha brings alive her character with much ease in this woman-centric film
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Shabeer Kallarakal’s stellar performance is worth appreciating
R ARIVANANTHAM
Director Arun Vaseegaran’s ‘The Road’, a nail-biting investigative and women-centric thriller, takes an untrodden path.
Trailer:
‘The Road’ keeps the audience at their seats’ edge right from its first act. It introduces a quarreling couple whose car breaks down on a deserted road at night. Their seemingly helpful encounter with two tribal individuals takes a dark turn as they are brutally murdered along with the rest of their group. Meanwhile, Meera (Trisha) and her husband Anand (Santhosh Pratap) plan a birthday trip for their son, Kavin.
However, due to her second pregnancy, Meera decides to stay behind while sending her husband and son on the trip. Tragedy strikes as the trip claims two lives. As she copes with her personal loss, Meera stumbles upon various conspiracy theories surrounding the accident. Simultaneously, the film introduces Mayan (Shabeer Kallarakkal), a professor accused of sexual harassment by one of his students. How these two incidents are connected and what Meera uncovers during her investigation form the core of the story.
In one of the scenes, Mayan is seen arguing with a female student, who is obsessed with him. This reminds us of MeToo campaign. Their conversations are as old as the hills. The film lacks inventiveness and that is one of the reasons why it doesn’t hold the attention of the viewers. Trisha’s Meera begins an investigation with little help from constable Subramani (MS Baskar) and her friend Anu (Miya George). The investigation process is portrayed as too convenient, with Meera easily conducting forensic tests without following proper procedures. Even the police officer in charge of the case doesn’t object to Meera’s involvement.
As Meera and Subramani get closer to uncovering the villain, the story becomes predictable and generic. Trisha’s performance as Meera is adequate, but it is Shabeer Kallarakal who has saved the film with his performance. He managed to evoke empathy through his performance and also keeps you invested throughout.
‘The Road’ is really an untrodden path.
Cast
Trisha, Miya George, ‘Dancing Rose’ Shabeer, Santhosh Prathap, MS Bhaskar, Vela Ramamoorthy and Vivek Prasanna
Crew
Director: Arun Vaseegaran, Producers: Jai Sampath and Subramani Doss, Editor: Shivaraj and Music: Sam CS
