Thiru.Manickam Movie Synopsis: Manikam, the owner of a lottery shop, finds a winning ticket left behind by an elderly customer. This leads to a battle with his family and authorities as he struggles to return the fortune.
Thiru.Manickam Movie Review: Set in a small Kerala town, Thiru.Manickam introduces us to Manikam (Samuthirakani) and his family—a lower-middle-class household struggling with speech impediments, crushing loans, and financial stress. The story centers around a 1.5 crore lottery ticket accidentally left behind by an elderly customer. What could have been a tense drama turns into an exploration of human weaknesses, with Manikam’s noble attempt to return the ticket exposing family rifts and revealing the true nature of people around him. While the film is earnest, it often lacks subtlety.
Director Nanda Periyasamy seems to confuse melodrama with genuine emotion. The opening montage of the family’s supposed happiness is so sweet, it risks becoming unbearable. We are introduced to a younger daughter with a speech impairment, a character that seems designed purely to pull at the audience’s heartstrings. The plot kicks off when an elderly man (Bharathiraja) enters Manikam’s shop, leaves without paying, and accidentally leaves behind the winning lottery ticket. In a moral decision that seems to happen too quickly to be believable, Manikam resolves to return it. What follows is a combination of a road movie and a chaotic chase, as his family and the police try to take the ticket from him.
The film plays out like a series of unfortunate events, with each familiar plot device making an appearance. Sudden downpours, a thief, and even a herd of elephants blocking the road. Manikam’s family decision to involve the police in this matter shows they don’t think things through, making you question their judgment. The backstory meant to develop Manikam’s character unfolds predictably, leaving little room for surprises.
Despite the film’s melodramatic tone, Samuthirakani’s performance is the standout. His nuanced portrayal brings subtlety and depth to a character surrounded by exaggeration. Supporting actors like Ananya and Bharathiraja also add value, while Sukumar’s camerawork beautifully captures the charm of Kerala’s slow-paced life.
In conclusion, Thiru.Manickam Movie Review reveals a film that aims for emotional depth but doesn’t quite hit the mark. While it has moments of earnestness, it ultimately feels like it falls short of making a lasting impact. The film’s predictable plot and over-the-top melodrama may leave you feeling as unmoved as a stone.