Meiyazhagan Movie Review: A Story of Stories, Forgotten Memories, and Quiet Reflections

You cannot call yourself a true fan of Indian cinema until you have watched the masterpiece 96 from the Tamil film industry. It is an experience that takes all of us back in time under the pretext of showing a film. This cinema is more real and emotional than real life itself, where you start finding yourself, and when the film ends, you try your best to somehow change its ending. Very few movies are made that you won’t find a single person in the entire world speaking against. Every person who has watched this film became a lifelong fan. The story of Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha was truly once in a lifetime. Every single scene in the film was perfect, every dialogue had meaning, and the music was heavenly. But listen carefully, I said ‘was’, because past tense no longer applies.

Now, in the present, there is a film that can rival 96, a film so flawless that no human on this earth can find a mistake in it. If anyone asks for the true meaning of the word ‘cinema’, just show them this film and they will get their answer. The amazing thing is, the same director who made 96 almost six years ago in 2018, has stunned people speechless again in 2024. Words fail me here; maybe for the first time you are going to hear this, but this Tamil film does not have a lead hero or heroine. In fact, not even a human as the lead character. No, it’s a bicycle! Surprised? This is just the beginning. The second lead character is a house, very old and broken down but you won’t believe what all this house has witnessed. Oh, and I forgot to mention, if you watch this film with your family, it will hit at an entirely different level. It is truly ageless cinema that any generation can enjoy.

By now, you might have misunderstood that the film is motivational or emotional, or that it’s a sad story hiding some tragedy. Usually, that’s the case, right? Actually, this film is packed with suspense and thrill, and the climax has such a surprise that it might shock you. You will feel a change in your real life. The story begins with a wedding party where the bride’s brother, who has been living in the city for many years, so far away that even the photo of his village has been deleted from his memories is invited. Then something happens that no one expected. That evening, the hero himself arrives from the city, where he meets a face. I say ‘face’ because apart from suspicion, the hero knows nothing about this man, not his name, identity, or relationship.

But the surprising thing is, this man knows things about the hero’s life as if he is watching CCTV footage every day, every hour, every second. Don’t underestimate this face. Behind the house, there is a jungle where his best friend lives. And guess who that is? You will be stunned, it’s a King Cobra, with whom he even talks. And in his family, besides his wife, he has a child. Now, guess what kind of child? A bull, with a record in Jallikattu of never being caught by anyone till date! Now here’s the scary part, the night of the wedding and the plan for the next morning’s office are both washed away, and where will our hero spend the night? Right in that house where humans, snakes, and the Jallikattu bull live together. And the strange thing is, whose face is this?

That secret has not been revealed yet; it remains totally mysterious. Then something happens in this film that shakes you from within, how a bicycle can be the reason the whole story stays with you for life. You won’t believe it, I guarantee you, the Indian film industry will lose faith in me if this film is not shortlisted for India’s entry to the Oscars next year. Honestly, this is a film that goes far beyond awards, box office, or acting. Anyone who watches it will develop more respect for Indian cinema. If 96 took you back in time, this new film will teach you how to truly live in time. You will realise that maybe we are not ordinary, but very special.

Don’t mistakenly think the film is boring or made only for mature audiences, it moves the story forward in a very interesting way and keeps your mind engaged till the end. You won’t believe it, but Karthi, the lead actor of this emotional family drama film, might give you the most emotional experience of your life. And brother, the real locations used in this film, the simple sets, the village culture, it’s probably why emotions worth 2000 crore rupees are felt in a film made with just 20-25 crore. The film’s name might sound complicated, but its story is very simple. I challenge you to watch the film and then tell me, have you seen any other film in 2024 that you can put on the same place as this one?