Arunachalam (1997) Review in 2025
Arunachalam is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Sundar C. The movie follows the story of a young boy who is forced to become a child laborer and his journey to escape the clutches of his cruel employer.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
Watch this movie if you're a fan of Rajinikanth or enjoy Tamil dramas. However, if you're looking for something original and engaging, you might want to look elsewhere.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie revolves around the life of a young boy named Arunachalam, who is forced to work in a brick kiln to support his family. He befriends a kind-hearted woman named Vasanthi, who helps him escape his miserable life. However, their happiness is short-lived as they face numerous challenges and ultimately, Vasanthi sacrifices her life to save Arunachalam.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it lacks originality and depth. The plot twists are predictable, and the ending feels rushed.
acting7.00/10
Rajinikanth's performance is the highlight of the movie. He brings depth and nuance to his character, making him relatable and likable.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel one-dimensional. Rajinikanth's performance is impressive, but the rest of the cast is underutilized.
direction7.00/10
Sundar C.'s direction is competent, but he fails to bring out the best in his actors. The cinematography is decent, but the editing is sloppy.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is average, with some nice shots of the rural landscape. However, the lighting is inconsistent, and the color palette is dull.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Rajinikanth's performance, engaging storyline, and decent direction make this movie worth watching.
Cons
Predictable plot, underutilized cast, and sloppy editing bring down the overall experience.
Notable Quotes
"'Arunachalam, you are not a slave, you are a free man.'"
