Kadamban movie review: Arya's physique and intense acting are the highlights
Director: Raghava
Cast: Arya, Catherine Tresa, Aadukalam Murugadas, Deepraj Rana
Kadamban is a movie of corporate greed and powerful interests versus a native, local community that refuses to barge from their lands. Elusive tactics of scheming business folks suddenly bombards a group of tribal people who happily live inside a forest. A huge dump of limestone had been discovered in their lands, and city industrialist Mahendra (Deepraj Rana) is eager to get his hands on it.
The villagers place their hopes on Kadamban (Arya) - a daring and dashing guy with a confidence to match the resources of his opponents. He is the son of village head (Super Subbarayan). His companion Rathi (Catherine Tresa) sports a mixture of Kadamban’s physique and a gentler side that relates to finding love and other normal human pursuits. Kadamban is a simple man and his focus is often singular, which initially leaves no time for such romantic trifles.
Kadamban gets into a scuttle with the forest ranger, a cunning fellow who subsequently arrests the former. With the help of human rights activists YG (Mahendra and Madhuvanti), he’s released from jail and carries on to work with them in improving the standards of his fellow forest dwellers, little aware of the fact the activists are Mahendra’s aides. Around this time is when he encounters the subversive tactics of big money and capitalism.
Arya is the highlight of Kadamban. His physique and intense acting keeps the script anchored. The development of his character could have improved a tad though. Raghava’s direction is solid, and he has also assembled a great cast and technical crew to ensure a quality of output. Case in point: Stunning cinematography by Satish Kumar gives that visual extravaganza and the various breathtaking stunt sequences by Dilip Subbarayan especially the climax action block with herds of elephants is realistically and splendidly accomplished. Raghava has also largely succeeded in presenting a relevant theme of our modern world.
Catherine Tresa looks pretty and gives a commendable performance. Her characterization is also bold. Aadukalam Murugadas plays an effective foil to Arya. Arguably the biggest downer is the lack of a credible villain. It’s hard to get into a groove when there’s not a proper beat and rhythm. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s songs are functional and the BGM is partially good.
Clearly, great amounts of work have been put into this film and it shows in Arya’s efforts. Don’t let the shortcomings discourage you - Kadamban is definitely worth the watch.
