Tharunam Movie Review: Thrills in a Minor Key

Age Rating: UA
Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam

Synopsis:
Tharunam keeps its story tight and ambitions modest. It’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and mostly succeeds. Directed by Arvindh Srinivasan, this thriller revolves around a suspended CRPF officer and the chaos that ensues when he discovers a dead body in the home of the woman he loves. The film is a calculated blend of suspense, romance, and moral dilemmas.

Plot Overview

The story kicks off with Arjun (Kishen Das), a suspended CRPF officer, grappling with his past and struggling to stay out of trouble until his suspension is lifted. A chance encounter at a bar introduces him to Meera (Smruthi Venkat), a woman dealing with her own share of secrets. The two quickly form a connection, but things take a dark turn when a dead body is discovered in Meera’s kitchen.

As Arjun and Meera scramble to cover their tracks, the film delves into themes of trust, sacrifice, and survival. The twists and turns of the narrative keep the tension alive, even as some moments feel predictable.

Cast & Performances

Kishen Das as Arjun: Brings a quiet intensity to his role, portraying a man torn between duty and desperation. His restrained performance anchors the film.
Smruthi Venkat as Meera: Starts strong but falters slightly in the middle, with her character becoming static during key moments.
Bala Saravanan: Provides much-needed comic relief, though his character’s involvement sometimes feels too convenient.
Raj Ayyappa as Rohit: Adds a layer of unpredictability to the story, though his character’s motives remain underdeveloped.

Direction and Narrative

Arvindh Srinivasan takes a minimalist approach to the thriller genre, avoiding unnecessary subplots and focusing on the central storyline. While this adds clarity, it also results in slower pacing during the first half. The second half picks up momentum, leading to an impactful climax.

Music and Cinematography

The background score is subtle, enhancing the film’s understated tone without overpowering the narrative. The songs, however, feel out of place and disrupt the pacing. The cinematography captures the tension of the confined spaces where much of the action unfolds, adding to the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere.

What Worked:

Tight storytelling with minimal distractions.
Kishen Das’s compelling performance.
The film’s focus on moral ambiguity and human emotions.
A satisfying climax that ties up loose ends.

What Didn’t Work:

Sluggish pacing in the first half.
Limited character development for the supporting cast.
A lack of consistent tension in critical moments.

Final Verdict: 3.5/5

Tharunam is a modest yet gripping thriller that keeps you engaged with its unique premise and strong performances. While it has its flaws, the film’s commitment to simplicity and its impactful climax make it worth a watch.