“Kadaisi Vivasayi”: Vijay Sethupathi’s moving drama about the last farmer

By Ravi Hari

“Kadaisi Vivasayi”, well-known Tamil director M Manikandan’s eagerly-awaited heart-breaking drama set against rural backdrop, delivers a social message on the struggles of village farmers and the need for natural farming. The poignant film about farming as an occupation now given up by many, is exceptional as it spreads positivity about deities and nature.

The authentic portrayal of the 85-year-old real farmer Late Nallandi who does old-fashioned farming looks natural, evoking many emotions in us as he fights the case filed against him by land grabbers after he rejected selling his land to them. Expectations about the realistic film releasing on February 11th are high as the awesome trailer and number of promos released recently reveal the wonderful storyline.

Nallandi’s performance stands out. As the lead actor, he steals the show. At one point in the trailer, while a hearing was on over his case in the court, the old man tells the judge, “Why don’t you continue the conversation. I’ll water the fields and join you”. This not only conveys how honest he is but also shows he is determined to stand up against the oppressors.

‘Makkal Selvan’ Vijay Sethupathi as Ramaiah, Lord Murugan devotee, has an extended cameo. Always playing tough characters, Sethupathi, also a co-producer of the movie, is excellent in this one too, looks versatile.

Well executed script, number of striking scenes and excellent camera work all beautifully done compel the audiences to be there in that village. Yogi Babu, Muneeshwaran, Kali Muthu, Chaplin Sundar and Raichal Rabecca have important roles in the film.