User reviews

"Meiyazhagan" unfolds like a beautifully written poem, or a novel brought to life, where each frame feels like a chapter of quiet reflection and deep conversation. At its heart is a delicate exchange between two characters: one, expressive and talkative, the other, introspective and reserved. Their reunion after years of distance feels like a quiet homecoming. As distant relatives reconnect, the film subtly explores the complexities of human relationships-what is said and what is left unspoken. There's an undeniable sense of peace and calm that envelops the viewer, with every interaction feeling like a gentle whisper to the soul. It's a cinematic experience that touches deeply, leaving behind a lingering feeling of serenity, like the warmth of a long-lost memory.

I think this is by far the most important movie of Tamil cinema for the current generation. While we ve majorly been audience to love n romantic movies since time immemorial,someone had the clarity to show what love is in reality in rural Tamil nadu. I am intrigued at what is going to be the response to a movie that I liked so much for the quality and simplicity of the subject ,the beautiful village setting and cinematography and the characterisation . To have produced a movie like this I would Really like to appreciate Surya n jo, I think you guys are really taking it upon you to give quality movies .Not everyone can do a movie like this .. I really hope this movie does well .. Go well guys...

Mark my words, this will be remembered as one of the best films of the year. It's a heartwarming movie with a great slice-of-life, some bittersweet added with a touch of bromance. In an era of formulaic blockbusters and Interval bangs this film is a refreshing change. It expresses a lot that is happening in society, inside the family, within humans, and the self-discovery while keeping it grounded, rooted, and minimalistic.

A character-driven story focused on Arul (Arvind Swamy), who returns to his hometown with a sense of ambivalence. We as a viewer travel along with this character. On the other hand, Karthi, a mysterious character as ordinary as the sun's daily rise, has a knack for getting into quirky situations. We see the story unfold between these two as they spend a night and the trip is a rollercoaster of emotions, from nostalgic flashbacks to awkward encounters. And let's not forget the classic "miss the bus because your someone insisted on tea" moment. That's one of the funniest sequences during the interval.

There are heartwarming moments, and one of my favorites involves a phone call between Arul's father (Jayaprakash) and Raj Kiran, who delivers a remarkably natural performance. Also, the wedding sequence, culminating in Arul gifting his sister, is beautifully staged. Additionally, Kamal Haasan's soulful 'Yaaro Ivan Yaaro' song placement in the beginning and the pre-climax is done so well.

Director Prem Kumar stages everything brilliantly with the unending sound of the biosphere. Set in Thanjavur, it sums up the tone of the film as a conjunction between ecology and humans. His ability to blend melodrama with characters is his biggest strength, accentuated by good acting.

The visuals are ideally combined with subplots, and the authenticity in mixing the local culture, history, and especially Jallikattu, is beautifully done. It doesn't falter the narrative and isn't an overkill. The relationships don't cross the line of going overboard, and the idea of coexistence is shown with so many happy moments.

Oh, almost forgot about the background score. The entire film is loaded with bittersweet to happy scores that speak more or less sometimes, as the silence also does the talking.

I know we had "Vaazhai," "Jama," "Kottukkali," and "Lubber Pandhu" last week, but trust me, "Meiyazhagan" is a fresh breath of air. It impresses with its variety of forms and feelings. There are no bleak moments, cringe love stories, or sermons on oppression. There are references like the Sterlite issue, but it is handled well with no genre shift.

Final thoughts, I can go on and on but will not be able to capture all its beauty in writing. In the end of this film, you are uplifted and also feel a bittersweet joy.

Five minutes into Meiazhagan, you realize you're in for an aesthetically captivating and simple yet powerful experience. This film explores the fractured bonds of tradition, language, and relationships. One of its greatest achievements is that it doesn't feel like a typical movie. There are lengthy scenes where Karthi's character shares his thoughts and experiences with Aravind Samy, and as an audience, you forget you're watching a film. Instead, you feel like a third person overhearing a deep, raw conversation between two men who live and breathe their emotions.

The characters of Karthi and Aravind Samy are polar opposites, contrasting in every way, yet they grow to complement each other as the story unfolds. Karthi truly shines as one of the best actors of his generation. In a film like this, delivering message-driven dialogues without coming across as preachy is no easy feat. Karthi embodies the character so fully that audiences can't help but love him.

While art films are slowly gaining traction in India, they often fall prey to Western influences, becoming overly complex with heavy metaphors and aesthetic-driven narratives. This can alienate viewers who lack exposure to international content, leaving them confused or disengaged. However, Meiazhagan stands out as a beautifully crafted, simple story that fosters character development not only on-screen but also in its audience.

We missed celebrating Anbe Sivam, a film with a similar essence, but let's not make that mistake again with Meiazhagan. It deserves to be cherished as the masterpiece it is!

Dear Karthi & Aravind Swamy,

Just stepped out of the theater and I have to say, I absolutely loved every scene of this movie. You both completely embodied your characters, making them so real and relatable. After 96, this is the only movie where I've witnessed the entire audience erupt into applause as the end credits rolled. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the impact this film has made. Simply amazing!

We all journeyed with you through every moment. The emotional depth, the chemistry between the characters, and the gripping narrative held us captive. Every scene felt genuine and left a lasting impression. The direction, music, and cinematography worked in perfect harmony to bring out the heart and soul of the story. It was more than a film-it was an experience.

Hats off to the entire team for delivering such a powerful and unforgettable masterpiece.

Dear Director,

You're brilliant. Thank you for crafting such an exceptional piece of cinema that will be remembered for a long time!

Go and watch it, trust me you will not regret it if you are into slow-paced story with great depth.

Honestly, this is one of the best feel-good Tamil movies I've ever watched! It's so unique and stands out in so many ways. The cinematography? Insane! The shots were so good that I didn't even feel like I was watching a movie-I felt like I was right there in the moment.

The acting was incredibly real, and the cast was perfect. Karthi absolutely stole the show. The way he portrayed different emotions had me feeling everything-joy, sadness, you name it. I honestly teared up a bit!

What I loved most is how effortlessly the story flows. It doesn't pressure you or make you think too hard; you just get to enjoy the ride. I enjoyed every last bit of this movie and wish I could forget it just to watch it again!

I don't usually write reviews, but I made an account just for this! If you love Kollywood films that leave you feeling good, you need to check this one out. It's pure art!

So, if you enjoy a slow-paced, heartwarming story and have great taste in cinema, this movie is definitely for you. Don't miss out!

From romance of 96 to bromance of Meiyazhagan, there are many similarities that we can see. The movie is soul stirring instilling nostalgia and longing that of somebody else's past. The simplicity of the characters, the warmth of a village and pride of history is etched all over this movie. Main cast Karthi and Arvind Swamy has given an incredible performance which is the backbone of this movie. Director wanted this to be just a novel, but made it into a movie because of peer pressure. That is evident in the second half as it gets lengthy and draggy. But still the performances and lovable characters are enough to make us get through the movie.

It is very hard to make film that is worthy of literature. As soon as that sort of words get thrown around like fine art, literature and the unspoken words are that this film is not for the mass audience, not for the common man, not for the child, not for, not for, not for.

This movie breaks that barrier. It is at once a work of finest art that will live into the end of times, and at the same time a must watch with every member of your family.

In theory such a film can never be made, but in practice Prem Kumar just made it.

Warning: It is not good to watch this movie alone. Take someone you love with you. Also set aside your preset agendas like fight scenes, and song scenes and comedy scenes and such. Just watch without any notions. We are not the expert here. An expert(director) is showing the way. Go with the flow.

In the grand tapestry of cinema, Prem Kumar renowned for the classic '96 has once again woven a sparkling gem this year.

Enter "Meiyazhagan," a soulful odyssey that beckons every Indian audience to partake in its heartfelt journey.

A delightful concoction of simplicity, humor, and poignant emotion, this film stirs the soul while inviting thoughtful reflection and a touch of social awareness.

Yet, be forewarned: its length requires a measure of patience and an open heart. Only then will the full splendor of its narrative unfold before your eyes.

Karthi and Aravind Swamy breathe life into their characters with an artistry that captivates, supported by a cast that delivers performances both natural and compelling.

Not to be overlooked, a bycycle and a bull stands as a significant character, adding a unique twist to the tale.

The musical score is enchanting, with melodies that linger long after the credits roll, complemented by a background score that resonates with deep emotion.

Do temper your expectations-while "Meiyazhagan" may not conjure the same magic as "96" with its beloved Jaanu a.k.a Trisha, it stands proudly as a worthy cinematic experience in its own right.

A must-see, this film is best savored in theaters, or at the very least, on OTT platforms. Don't miss the chance to embark on this enchanting journey!

Please don't miss this movie in theatres..it's not a movie. It's a life. Just loved it to the core. Awesome movie.

Best of karthi so far. He just mailed it Until this time I just saw all aravind swamy movie as an actor First time I am seeing him as a performer.

All the characters did their best Kudos to director Prem for crafting this awesome movie Music was also good.

Cinematography is a special mention. He just took us to the village and easily connected all characters as so well that even a bus conductor character stands in our mind.

Many movies stand in our mind even after coming out for few days

Meiazhagan is one of them.

Pls go and cherish in theatres!

Meiyazhagan

A feel good emotional family drama conceptualized and visualized with mind soothing BGM's by Govind Vasantha.

The plot of the story revolves around a man in his late forty's trying to relive and cherish his abandoned memories of childhood and native village home through one of his old kin and their emotional bonding and relationship that takes the story forward.

Premkumar has conceived a feel good emotional story on deep rooted family relationships after 96'. The emotional family moments were very touching and brings tears to your eyes.

Subtle performances by Arvind Swamy,Karthi and their moments were portrayed spectacularly. The character detailing given for Arvind Swamy was put to screen with intricate perfection where he comes as a lost person but goes back with a child's happiness of gaining something precious. The efforts behind the impressive casting of Jayaprakash,Rajkiran,Ilavarasu,Devadarshni Karunakaran,Saran & Sri Divya deserves appreciation.

Govind Vasantha has again hooked the audience with his soulful tracks through Ulaganayagan's voice that give deep meaning to the visuals and the BGM's in the emotional sequences were astonishing and special mention to Raghav Ramesh for brilliant sounds. Mahendiran Jeyaraju's hands behind the camera and the birds eye view shots,the temple shots in the movie were stunning.

A feel good emotional drama well pitched through a realistic plot with exemplary performances.

Rating - 3.75/5.

"Meiyazhagan" is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that resonates deeply with anyone who has left their hometown. The film poignantly captures the emotional journey of revisiting one's roots after years away, seamlessly blending nostalgia with moments of reflection. The strong characterization brings to life the complexities of relationships and the weight of memories, making the experience both relatable and authentic. With its universal themes, this movie is a must-watch for those navigating the ties between past and present. A heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging, "Meiyazhagan" will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.

In this day and age, it's unbelievable that Karthi's identity remains unknown till the end. And it's too much drama and connection to a past. I would understand a person thinking back fondly, with poignant memories. But this slow-paced dialogue was riddled by clichéd situations and flash-backs and unnecessary reptiles like a snake was added... Making no sense at all. Karthi's acting was... Same expression in almost every scene... Silly!

Kudos to the Director and Cinematographer for the beautiful captures of Thanjavur and evoking a mood of time gone by. Music was light and lovely too.

In summary, not worth the hype. Definitely, not a shade on '96 which was in a class of its own.

How often we have an opportunity to reminisce about good times had with people in our lives? People have poured unconditional love on us, whom we relate through blood, could be family friends, long-term neighbors, or maybe a stranger who came to help us out in an adverse situation. Have we ever thought about the little help made such a big impact on our busy lives? Life forces us to navigate through many phases, making these memories fade away while we are crippled by the survival mode life puts us through.

Meiyazhagan is asking us to take a pause and look back and find those people who showered unconditional love expecting nothing in return. Try to find or at least think about those angels who lent you a hand in tough situations. The movie puts you through the same emotional state as Arul Mozhi Varman (Arvind Swamy )goes through in the film.

With a lot of negativity and wicked situations looming around the world, Meiyazhagan comes as fresh breezy air and tells us there are still good people around you, there is still hope, there is still positivity, and still, some unconditional love is present in this world. When you experience such things, don't let it slip away. As human beings, that's the ultimate thing...Seeking LOVE.

Just watched this today, can't explain in words what you go thru as you watch the film. Once in a while a movie touches your soul, renews it, purifies it, strengthens it.. you get all of that.. Don't know how someone can write/direct/penn music to this level. Watched 96 as well, this is even better than 96 in how delicately the script/story is weaved to perfection. Arvind Swamy and Karthi are the perfect pair and their chemistry awesome. Kamal's one song keeps reverberating in your head as you come out the theater. Must watch in theaters and a second watch in Netlfix :-) Kudos to the entire team.

Meiyazhagan a refreshing tamil movie production amidst all the violence and vulgarity one gets to see in movies today. A story centered around a journey down past memories . Every character etched to perfection. One could really enjoy the realistic, non exaggerated conversations in Thanjavur Tamil throughout the movie. The movie did touch an emotional chord as one could see moist eyes from those who were leaving the movie hall . Meiyazhagan a must watch for those who enjoy simple, realistic movies. The experience equals to relishing a well made Thanjavur Ashoka. Congrats to the entire team for making such a lovely movie.

Started to watch the movie without any expectations. Couldn't control the happy tears at many places. There are movies that touches our soul at some scenes. However this movie screenplay strongly connected to my heart almost every scenes. The performance even when no dialog, speaks a lot to our heart like 96 movie. Everyone who is part of this movie has done a great job with passion. Karthik and Aravind as usual rocked their performance. I characters played all through the movie brought all our childhood days back. Thank you to everyone who worked in this movie for giving another soulful movie to us. THANK YOU!

For me, at the end, movies are meant to be watched only for entertainment, but few of them strike your heart so hard that tears just roll out, and you can't control that.

These kind of movies require two good things - strong writing and superb acting and Meiyazhagan succeeds on both the counts.

Karthi is just terrific in his roles, we have been seeing him doing such roles For a long time, yet he brings in the subtle variations and stands out again. Arvind Swamy brings in the required dignity to the role and cometh the dramatic moments, he is superb.

Govinda Vasantha's music and BGM is so good, keeps the proceedings breezy, pleasant to the ears, so is the cinematography by Mahendiran Jayaraju and editing by R. Govindaraj.

Writer director C. Prem Kumar chooses yet another relatable subject like 96, doesn't go overboard and melodramatic, keeps it simple and the lead pair took care of the rest.

Worth watching!!

Meiyazhagan is a cinematic gem that breathes life into the nostalgia, warmth, and complexities of family and self-discovery. It's not just a story but a heartfelt experience-a journey back to the simplicity of village life, where every interaction is rich with unspoken words and where every frame feels like a cherished memory.

The narrative follows Arulmozhi (Arvind Swamy), a man conflicted with resentment and loss, who reluctantly returns to his ancestral village. Through his encounter with his eccentric, loveable cousin Karthi (Karthi), he rediscovers connections he thought lost. Their contrasting personalities-a quiet soul and a warm-hearted free spirit-create a beautiful harmony that grows into a bond both raw and transformative. Arulmozhi's journey with Karthi isn't just a reunion; it's a homecoming to forgotten parts of himself, touching on themes of healing and reconnection that resonate universally.

C. Prem Kumar's direction is masterful, capturing profound emotions in the subtlest of moments. The script is deeply poetic, letting silence speak as loudly as words, and each scene is suffused with intimacy and authenticity. Karthi's vibrant, magnetic performance infuses joy and depth, while Arvind Swamy's restrained portrayal echoes with lingering regret and yearning. Together, they create a chemistry that doesn't merely entertain but deeply moves, bringing the audience into their journey with genuine tenderness.

The film's aesthetic beauty, brought to life by Mahendra Jayaraju's cinematography, paints the village scenes as if they were part of a lost memory, evoking a powerful sense of place. Govind Vasantha's music is a character in itself, and Kamal Haasan's "Yaaro Ivan Yaaro" is a hauntingly beautiful score that lingers long after the credits roll. These elements create a backdrop that is more than a setting; it is a living, breathing part of the story that invites the viewer to feel, remember, and dream.

Although the film's pace slows at times, its brief detours into history and culture only enrich the emotional landscape, adding layers that deepen the impact of the central story. This is a film that doesn't merely ask to be watched; it asks to be felt. For audiences who seek genuine storytelling, Meiyazhagan is an emotional experience, offering profound reflections on love, family, and the quiet beauty of finding one's way back home.

Meiyazhagan isn't just a film; it's a love letter to the beauty of life's simplest connections. It's a story that stays with you, a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are those that take us back to where we started.

Despite being not too big on story, mostly just focusing on a day, the three-hour runtime of Meiyazhagan went like a breeze. Even though it was a very easy watch, I wasn't really on board with the movie in the first hour. The overt attachment towards a house in the way it is written where a group of people is vilified without the full picture doesn't sit well with me. A lot of the time the people on screen getting emotional in the first half of the movie were just some distant thing happening that didn't affect me. Despite my disconnect with it, the way the film flows makes it believable in a weird way and doesn't feel like hammering it down despite the importance given to it.

But the film really became good for me when Karthi's character started to become more than just an overly friendly relative. The nighttime chat and the different stories recited which slowly bring out the depth of the characters all made it very engaging for me. Both of these characters who I wasn't too keen on in the beginning became close to my heart by the end of the movie.

Aravind Swamy's character's awkwardness, guilt etc was very relatable but it took some time to feel it as relatable since the introductory events and emotions of the character didn't resonate with me at all.

The drunk heart-to-heart chats and feeling guilty of not being as open-hearted as someone like Karthi's characters were what made me really relate to and appreciate this movie. Karthi really stole the show for me in this movie, He was such a delight to watch. Aravind Swamy's character is written to be a bit dull in comparison, but he did justice to the character. Sri Divya was also notable for bringing the same warmth as Karthi's character but in a relatively demure way.

After the first hour, I was doubtful of the movie but by the end I left the theater with a smile, not as big as Karthi's smile in the movie but I wish I could smile like that all the time. There are certain elements that would be more relatable to Tamilians that I've missed and would've made it much more enjoyable for them. Still, I wish it was a bit more subtle about the things in the first scenes taking place in '96 which would've made it much more enjoyable for me.

Meiyazhagan is not your typical cinematic spectacle; it's an emotional journey that takes you deep into the soul of human relationships and the beauty of life's simple moments. The film follows a middle-aged, city-bred man who reluctantly returns to his ancestral village after 20 years. What unfolds is a moving experience with his distant relatives, particularly his cousin brother, bringing back memories and reigniting connections that had long been forgotten.

Rather than dazzling with grandeur, Meiyazhagan thrives on its authenticity. Every emotion is portrayed with such sincerity that you can't help but feel connected to the characters. It's filled with heartwarming sequences that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and you'll find yourself saving this film in your playlist, ready to revisit those feelings again and again.

The director has approached this story with immense thoughtfulness and patience, allowing the characters and their emotions to shine. The performances by the lead actors are stellar, pulling the audience deeper into their world.

For those from Tamil Nadu, especially the Tanjavur region, this movie will strike a chord. It beautifully captures the essence of returning home and rediscovering bonds that once seemed lost. You'll leave the theatre with a heavy yet full heart, touched by the film's quiet yet powerful storytelling.

Meiyazhagan is truly a feel-good film, one that stays with you long after the credits roll. Don't miss it!

#Meiyazhagan.

Someone with rural rooting and those with an emotional baggage longing for companionship of kith and kin can connect well and reflect upon efforlessly. Karthi's character stands out. At one point Arulmozhi says, "How can somebody be this ingenuous? Or should everyone be actually like this?" is very apt.

Bava chelladurai's narration of jayakanthan or prabanjan story can kindle all these emotions in a matter of 15 mins. As a matter of fact, anyone who has read Oru Manithan Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam, will see a rave resemblance of Jayakanthan's Henry in Aravind swamy's character.

Emotions that commence strong, ended up diluted in the stretch. Seeming strong emotional scenes in trailer falls flat in the movie. When arulmozhi elopes with guilt could have been a much better ending. Would have left the audiance with the heavy punch knowing arulmozhi cannot recover from this second departure.

If you have a good whereabouts of tamil history, respect for the ancestors who designed such culture, had ever shed tears for the sufferings in eezham or the betrayal of the forest guard, some dialogues and performance may pierce the depth of your emotions.

The writer could obviously witness the slow decay of a rich culture that was well-intertwined with nature. Whether it is a sheer atrophy of civilization or a planned orchestration of vindictive plans, witness the senility of culture is painful for the observant patriots. This narration is the quitest scream of that agony. Hats off to that.

Meiyazhagan is a Tamil movie that follows the story of a man with a deep affection for a cow, exploring his relationship with this animal in an almost reverent way. While the premise seems interesting, aiming for a unique emotional core, the execution falls flat. The pacing drags, making scenes feel overly drawn out, which might have been intended to create a meditative atmosphere but ends up just being dull. Character interactions lack depth, and the plot offers little to break the monotony or engage the viewer meaningfully.

Overall, while Meiyazhagan tries to stand out by focusing on an unconventional bond, it ultimately feels uninspired and overly long, making it a hard watch for anyone looking for a more dynamic storyline or engaging character development.

Loved it. Movie gave the same feels like 96 movie, they showed alot of scenaries and portrayed alot of emotions. 2nd half was slow and steady and the characters were portrayed. When you continue watching the movie, the story continued progressing and finally it brought a self realisation towards the viewers on families, relatives, and love. 5/5 would recommend to watch with family

Loved it. Movie gave the same feels like 96 movie, they showed alot of scenaries and portrayed alot of emotions. 2nd half was slow and steady and the characters were portrayed. When you continue watching the movie, the story continued progressing and finally it brought a self realisation towards the viewers on families, relatives, and love. 5/5 would recommend to watch with family.