Thiru Manickam Movie Story:

Manickam (Samuthirakani) resides with his wife (Ananya), their two children, and his extended family in a modest home located along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. As a principled individual who operates a lottery ticket shop, Manickam bears numerous household responsibilities, including the financial support required for his daughter’s stammering treatment. However, he finds himself in a dilemma when a destitute man (Bharathiraja) selects a lottery ticket and assures payment the following day, only for that ticket to win a substantial prize of Rs 1.5 crore. While his family urges him to utilize the unpaid ticket for their own needs, Manickam has alternative intentions.

Thiru Manickam Movie Review:

Thiru Manickam embodies the essence of the roles typically portrayed by Samuthirakani. He represents integrity, consistently adheres to ethical principles, and, most significantly, selflessly advocates for the well-being of others. In this narrative, Samuthirakani’s character is positioned such that personal values take precedence over practical considerations in determining the righteousness of one’s actions. The film, in various respects, challenges the audience's patience by presenting an overly sweetened interpretation of selflessness, which at times borders on being preachy.

In a storyline where the protagonist appears almost too virtuous, one might anticipate the presence of a villain of equal malevolence. However, Thiru Manickam diverges from this expectation. His unwavering moral compass propels a narrative rich in "good" messages, yet it is populated with superfluous characters and lacks the vigour necessary to generate genuine drama. At one juncture, a corrupt police officer is confident in his mission's success due to the involvement of two dedicated constables. In another scene, a church priest offers a remedy for a sin that the protagonist fears he may commit if he heeds the priest's counsel. The narrative of Thiru Manickam seems to be crafted solely to emphasize the importance of selflessness, neglecting to establish any emotional connections. Additionally, the portrayal of Thambi Ramaiah’s character, a London returnee who looks down on those he deems inferior, feels hastily executed, leading to a silent sigh of relief when this character abruptly exits the story in the latter half. Furthermore, the initial portrayal of Manickam and his wife as friends dissipates as the drama unfolds, leaving no trace of that dynamic.

Thiru Manickam transforms seemingly implausible scenarios into reality. However, this approach also exploits the emotional vulnerabilities of the economically disadvantaged segments of society. Following the expulsion of a wife to her parent's home by her dowry-demanding in-laws, she ultimately contemplates suicide as the abuse escalates. Despite the film's emphasis on virtuous ideals, it fails to take a definitive stance against the fundamental injustices of dowry practices. Thiru Manickam persistently promotes the notion of a happy family within a framework it considers ideal, neglecting to learn from its own missteps that suggest true happiness often resides in enduring daily hardships.

Another criticism of the film lies in its lack of an unpredictable narrative. By adhering to familiar tropes, Thiru Manickam indulges in a portrayal of goodness that exceeds the bounds of reality. Although the cast delivers competent performances, the film follows a monotonous storyline that lacks emotional depth. This results in a tiresome experience, as each of Manickam's benevolent actions leads to an equally uninspiring outcome.

Thiru Manickam Movie Verdict:

A moralistic narrative that seems implausible fails to enhance this lacklustre family drama.

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