Jai Bhim (2021)

Jai Bhim was easily one of the most powerful movies released in 2021, and it should be made compulsory viewing in all educational institutions with zero delay. 

If I had to pick one absolute favourite thing about the film, it would have to be how Chandru (played by Suriya in what is a career-best performance) never gets a back-story about how he landed up as a fiery human rights lawyer and activist. It might sound like the bare minimum, but this is exactly how you avoid an unnecessary hero-glorification arc, and keep the story focused on the fight for justice. 

Considering how the movie is almost 3 hours long, staying focused was a challenge anyway, but they pulled it off. There were slip-ups here and there, especially in the torture scenes that were repeated, but overall, the length was not an issue for me. 

I loved how the movie treats Rajakannu (Manikandan) and Sengeni's (Lijomol Jose) relationship with all the dignity and complexity that it deserves, instead of making it a one-tone tool for emotionally manipulating the viewer. 

As for my bae, Prakash Raj, I have no words: he proves yet again why he is one of the biggest gifts to Indian cinema. Special mention for Rao Ramesh, who plays one of the antagonists (right under Prakash Raj's nose) and aces it. Till now it was just Telugu actresses who had to migrate outside of Tollywood for exciting projects, but I guess it's true for Telugu actors now as well. 

There are so many other things I want to say about the movie and how it made me feel and think, but for now, I want to say that there are films that stay with you and films that carry you forward. Jai Bhim undeniably belongs to the latter category. What a win for not just Tamil cinema which continues to make some of the most impactful movies in India, but also for every person who saw it. 

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