R ARIVANANTHAM
There have been many Tamil movies with mother sentiment which helped them to rake in moolah. In Superstar Rajnikanth’s ‘Mannan’, Poet Vali has infused new life in the mellifluous voice of veteran playback singer Jesudas ‘Amma Endrazhaikkaatha…. (அம்மா என்றழைக்காத உயிரில்லையே அம்மாவை வணங்காத உயிரில்லையே…). Even after many decades this song and picturisation remains fresh in the hearts of cine-goers.
Trailer:
‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ holds true in the case of Urvashi-starrer ‘JBaby’. It is nothing but a sheer drama with poor narration. Debutant director Suresh Mari has tried his best to eulogise this mother sentiment but failed miserably. In the Indian culture, mother is the fulcrum of all families. With her sacrifices and unbridled love, she used to take care of her children. Like Maharaja Shivaji’s mom, she infuses morality, imparts bravery and knowledge by laying the foundation of man-making education. Thus a good mother is not only a fountain of love but also a culture vulture of all sorts.
Director-producer Pa Ranjit and debutant director Suresh Mari have jointly failed to picturise the real life story in reel except portraying J Baby (Urvashi) as a normal mother who used to shower only love.
One who goes above and beyond to support her children throughout her life. While J Baby has three sons and two daughters, the film follows Senthil (Maaran) and Shankar (Dinesh) — their relationship with Baby is on focus.
The film begins with their mother, J Baby (Urvashi), getting lost and everyone searching for her. Then, it is revealed that Baby is in Barrackpore and it is entrusted upon the two brothers to bring her back home.
The narrative itself hooks you in in the beginning by taking us on this journey of two sons who are out to bring their mother back from Kolkata. They come as insincere, inconsiderate and uncaring towards their mother’s well-being. In fact, they seem careless about their mother’s whereabouts in the beginning and have to be asked by a police person to think back on when was the last time they spoke to their mother. As the plot unravels, it becomes clear that the three sons and two daughters are at the end of their rope with Baby’s antics. They are frustrated with the changing face of their mother and are unable to come to terms with how ageing has affected her.
The trailer indicated that the film would probably give a take that was sarcastic, funny and dark. There were perfunctory moments that encapsulated the mood of the trailer, but the film itself was long-winded. It was hard to engage with it beyond the surface level because the film itself is shallow in its treatment of motherhood, the relationship between the mother and her sons or even the aspect of her mental illness.
In a film where the story is the star, and the visuals, music, and other aspects take on the supporting role, the flawed and superficial narrative results in the film taking a big hit. Especially, the second act of the film — where each character’s intentions and back story is being unpacked — becomes a laborious experience.
In a novel approach, the characters deliver the dialogues in their respective Mother Tongues – Tamil and Bengali – to give realistic meaning and language is no barrier in India.
Urvashi’s performance shows her prowess in carrying the film on her shoulders with Maaran playing the second fiddle with much ease.
Cast
Urvashi, Dinesh, Maaran
Crew
Director: Suresh Mari, Producer: Pa Ranjith
