Uchithanai Muharnthal

[PARAMASHIVAN]

Release date: 6 January 2012

Director: Pugazhendi Thangaraj

Starring: Sathyraj, Seeman, Nassar, Neenika, Sangeetha, Lakshmi

Teenager Neenika gives a powerful performance in this hard-hitting true-life Tamil war drama.

Thirteen-year-old Punithavadhi (Neenika) is an innocent Tamil girl who undergoes a horrific ordeal when she is raped by Sri Lankan soldiers. Worse still, she realises she has become pregnant as a result. Fearing further trouble, her mother spirits Punithavadhi away illegally to India. Here, Tamil activist Professor Nadesan (Sathyraj) offers them both sanctuary, despite being under surveillance from the local police for harbouring illegal immigrants. In this he has the full support of his wife, Nirmala (Sangeetha). The couple entrust the health of Punithavadhi and her unborn child to their family doctor, Rekha (Lakshmi), who drops another dramatic bombshell. Gripping and moving, the film traces what happens next to Punithavadhi and her child. Renowned for his tough films addressing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, Pugazhendi Thangaraj's latest drama is based on a true story. Young Neenika's stand-out central performance has attracted much critical praise.

Screenplay: Pugazhendi Thangaraj

Distributor: Ayngaran

You should see it because: It tackles important issues of wartime atrocities with commitment and sensitivity.

[ilekani]

Uchithanai Mugarnthaal drowns in soap suds. - Rohit Ramachandran Mon, 19 Dec 2011

1.5 stars

Acting sell-outs Sathyaraj (Vengayam, Aayiram Vilakku, Sattapadi Kutram) and Nassar (Sankaran Koil, Ponnar Shankar, Deiva Thirumagal, Osthi) attempt to revive their acting careers by counting on a director who feels strongly about Tamilian women getting raped by Sri-Lankan soldiers. Pugazendhi Thangaraj has made a film about the aftermath of child abuse and expects you to take it seriously. Good thought, bad movie. The 13-year old rape victim is recovering from the most horrific incident of her life, so you're told. What you see is yet another creature. Or, she's the most cheerful rape victim in the history of cinema. Watching the movie was like proofreading a foreign language essay. You're just reassured every now and then that this is a mediocre effort and required a lot more work. Uchithanai Mugarnthaal drowns in soap suds and if it has succeeded with any purpose at all, it is at being a learning experience for its director. Why would anyone else want to be a part of it? You tell me.

http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/10045/tamil/uchithanai-mugarnthal/3483/review.htm

[PARAMASHIVAN]

Any other reviews ilakeni ??

[vithagan]

Any other reviews ilakeni ??



Uchithanai Mukarnthal - A Sincere Film




IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 16, 2011] 3 Comments (http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/14893.html#disqus_thread)






http://img.indiaglitz.com/tamil/reviews/uchchi161211_1.jpg
The Sri Lankan Tamils issue is always a sensitive one and any film on the same more often than not gains extra attention. Director Pughazhendhi Thangaraj, who made 'Kattrukenna Veli' earlier, on a similar theme, tries his hands on the long-drawn ethnic issue again.
The difference this time is that he has documented the struggles of a young girl who suffered at the hands of the island army. Sathyaraj, Seeman and Sangeetha are the lead actors in the film.
Professor Natesan (Sathyaraj) is a Tamil sympathizer, who speaks out for their cause and often lands in jail for his outbursts. His wife (Sangeetha) too shares his concerns.
When the couple is expecting their child, a young girl Punithavathi (Neelika) from Batticaloa lands up in their house. She has allegedly been gang raped by Lankan Army personnel on 1 March 2009.
She is just 13 but is expecting a child. At this point, a noble doctor (Lakshmi) makes an entry. Natesan, his wife and the doctor try their best to ensure the safety of the child.
Charles Anthony (Seeman), an upright police inspector helps them. One day they come to know that the young girl is suffering from AIDS. They seek the help of Dr CND (Nasser). The girl is traumatized. How they go about helping forms the rest of the story.
Neelika, the young lass is a show-stealer, without doubt, and she displays her acting talent in abundance. Sathyaraj underplays his role while Sangeetha and Seeman do an adequate job. Veteran Lakshmi also deserves kudos for her performance.
Veteran cinematographer B Kannan measures up well and lives up to expectations. D Imman's music is praiseworthy and matches the occasion.
Pughazhendhi Thangaraj deserves applause for making an honest attempt without bowing to commercial pressures. Kudos to Gemini Film Circuit for distributing such an honest venture and a sincere film








http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/14893.html

[PARAMASHIVAN]

The Character names from this movies are names of LTTE cadres! (Nadesan, Charles Anthony)

[Cinemarasigan]

Hi Faramu, have u seen this movie?

[PARAMASHIVAN]

Hi Faramu, have u seen this movie?

No, I am planning to see it this weekend, I am sure it will get huge responces in Europe, USA/Canada and Australia, as 90% Tamilians living here are Eezha Tamilians .

[Cinemarasigan]

indha padattha yurope-la ellAm release panni irukkaangalaa? very good

[PARAMASHIVAN]

indha padattha yurope-la ellAm release panni irukkaangalaa? very good
Yes , possibly the first ever Sathyraj movie to be released in UK for the last 20 odd years !

[NOV]

:omg: reading the sypnosis itself is causing a lump in the throat. I dont think I can bear to watch this film.

[PARAMASHIVAN]

:omg: reading the sypnosis itself is causing a lump in the throat. I dont think I can bear to watch this film.

I know what you mean, but through Media only you can make the Ignorant aware of such atrocities!

[PARAMASHIVAN]

Pugazhendhi Thangaraj, known for his mature handling of sensitive subjects, (Kaatrukenna Veli, his earlier film,) is back with another socially-relevant theme.

Titled Uchithanai Mugarndhal, this one is based on the 13-year-old rape victim, Y. Punithavathy, during the 2009 Sri Lankan ethnic war.

Teenage actor Neenika plays the central character of Punithavathy. Sathyaraj and Sangeetha portray Professor Natesan and his wife who gave shelter to the girl.

Pugazhendhi said, “The atrocity meted out to a child under the pretext of war was unbearable and prompted me to make this movie. This should not happen to any other child in the world.”

He went on, “I could only think of Sathyaraj for this sensitive subject. No one else would understand and be able to project the required sensibilities in a proper perspective, though a lot of actors talk big.”

Everyone was heaping laurels on Imman, who has scored brilliant music for the movie almost free of cost. “Imman got a standing ovation when the Uchithanai… audio was unveiled at London,” revealed Sathyaraj. Neenika’s performance will definitely make it to this year’s National Award list, many feel.

Imman responded emotionally, “Being a Tamilian, it is enough that I have done a film like this”.

Nasser, Seeman and Lakshmi Ramakrishnan form the supporting cast. After minor cuts, the film has been passed with a U/A Certification by the Censor Board.

Presented by the Gemini Film Circuit, it is slated for release next week.

[PARAMASHIVAN]

By Moviebuzz


Pugazhendi Thangaraj is known for his hard hitting movies based on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
His latest Uchithanai Muharnthal is based on an incident of a 13 year old innocent Tamil girl Punithavathy who gets raped by Sri Lankan army men in the last days of the Eelam war.

The highlight of the film is the brilliant performance of Neenika who lives the role of Punithavathy, bringing out the vulnerability of the teen, as she tries to live down the horrific experience of the past. Lakshmi Ramakrishnan comes out with an author backed performance as the doctor.

Professor Natesan (Sathyaraj) is a Tamil activist and takes up the cause of Sri Lankan refugees with the full support of his wife Nirmala (Sangeetha). Natesan comes to the rescue of Punithavathy who has been gang raped by army men and is now pregnant. She comes to India, illegally along with her mother and is put up by the Natesan family. Natesan’s family doctor Rekha (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan) looks after the pregnant Punithavathy. There is an understanding cop Charles (Seeman), who is sympathetic as the young girl who is found to be HIV positive!

The director Pugazhendi Thangaraj should be lauded for doing such a bold film on the plight of Lankan Tamils. He has tried his best to handle it in a sensitive manner, though at times it becomes preachy and mushy. There are far too many sub-plots as the director tries to pack it with too many issues. Imman’s background score is good.

On the whole Uchithanai Muharnthal is able to strike a chord with those who sympathise with the plight of Tamils in the island nation, and the brutalities of the war.

[PARAMASHIVAN]

I have seen the movie, it is certainly not the stuff for the faint hearted :( , really a great attempt by the director, the kid acting was the highlight of the movie, Sathyaraj, Sangetha and nasser all did their part well!

[PARAMASHIVAN]

Review :

The plight of Sri Lankan Tamils at the hands of the Sinhalese Sri Lankan forces and the way they were treated or have been treated are the dark pages in the history of the world. Many films have depicted the conditions of our Tamil brothers and sisters on this Island nation.

‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’ is yet another powerful projection of the state of the Tamils told through an adolescent girl. Her struggles, her family’s and people’s sufferings at the hands of Sri Lankan forces is narrated in a neat and heart-bursting script.

The story of ‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’ is told from a teenage girl who was raped during the war then. The film throws light on how the Sri Lankan forces unleashed the atrocities and violence against humanity in the ethnic conflict.Sathyaraj has again proved that he always stands for the cause of the Sri Lankan Tamils by agreeing to be a major contributor in making this film as a lead actor. And, his powerful performance stands out again. Nasser, another versatile actor, takes this opportunity to display his acting skills. Seeman and Sangeetha also make their big contribution with their show of talents.

Director Pugazendhi Thangaraj, who made another gripping film ‘Kaatrukenna Veli’, gets all the credit for coming out with such a script at this time. Though the script and direction needs some toning, the writer-director should be appreciated for this bold attempt. ‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’ is another feather in the cap of the director.

Music is by D Iman. The composer has come out with a good background score. And, the songs definitely touch you. Thanks to the lyricists (Kasi Anandan and Kadhirmozhi) for such a touchy and powerful lines.Camera is by B Kannan. Superb work, a big plus for ‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’. B Lenin’s editing is another pillar of strength in narrating the story.

The film is produced by Global Media & Entertainment and distributed by Gemini Film Circuit.

‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’ is a must watch for all the Tamils and also who wants to feel the pain of the Sri Lankan Tamil brothers.

Sure you get tear drops rolling down your cheek, that’s the effect of ‘Uchithanai Mukarnthal’!