Seththumaan is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Thamizh. The film features Manikkam, Ashwin, Prasanna Balachandran and Savithri, and was released on 27 May 2022.[1][2]

Seththumaan
Directed byThamizh
Written byPerumal Murugan
Produced byPa. Ranjith
Starring
  • Manikkam
  • Ashwin
  • Prasanna Balachandran
  • Savithri
CinematographyPratheep Kaliraja
Edited byC. S. Prem Kumar
Music byBindu Malini
Production
company
Distributed bySonyLIV
Release date
  • 27 May 2022 (2022-05-27)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Cast

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  • Manikkam as Poochi
  • Ashwin Shiva as Kumaresan
  • Prasanna Balachandran as Vellaiyyan
  • Savithri
  • Arul Kumar as Rangan
  • Kannika

Production

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The film marked the directorial debut of Thamizh, who had earlier worked as an assistant director in films such as Pattalam (2009) and Biryani (2013). Thamizh worked on a number of scripts but failed to successfully pitch them into film projects. He later watched the Malayalam film, Ozhivudivasathe Kali (2015), which helped him believe that he could make a project on a minimal budget.[3] He has then inspired to make Seththumaan, based on Tamil writer Perumal Murugan's short story Varugari. The film concerns the relationship of a grandfather and his grandson, while taking an incisive look at the politics of caste and meat.[4]

Thamizh hoped to make the film on a budget of 6 lakh rupees, but soon found himself unable to even meet the rental cost of the camera equipment. He later approached Pa. Ranjith for financial help, who opted to help produce the film.[5]

Prior to its release, the film was premiered and received accolades at film festivals including the International Film Festival of Kerala and Chennai International Film Festival.[6][7]

Reception

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The film was released on 27 May 2022 on SonyLIV.[8] The New Indian Express gave the film a positive review, noting "smartly written dialogues are one of the highlights of Seththumaan, which poses a flurry of questions but doesn't necessarily burden itself with providing answers".[9] Firstpost wrote "Tamizh makes an impressive directorial debut on a film around food and politics", while the Deccan Herald noted it was a "a hard-hitting take on food politics".[10][11].KAVITHA MURALIDHARAN Critic from The Hindu noted that " a set of powerful images. Some seemingly celebratory and some poignant."[12]The Quint critic stated that " Seththumaan also makes us realise that even when there is a conflict between two people from the dominant-caste, the marginalised are the ones who bear the brunt."[13]Dinamalar critic gave 2.75 rating out of 5[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Thamizh on choosing Perumal Murugan's short story for his directorial Seththumaan: 'Wanted to make an impactful film'". Firstpost.com. 31 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Pa Ranjith and Thamizh's film 'Seththumaan' to skip theatrical release | Tamil Movie News". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 12 May 2022. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  3. ^ Menon, Akhila R (29 May 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Seththumaan Director Thamizh: The Real Magic Happens When The Audiences Watch The Film!". Filmibeat. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  4. ^ "Seththumaan director Thamizh interview". pinkvilla.com. 2 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  5. ^ "Director Thamizh on seeking Pa Ranjith's help for 'Seththumaan'". The Hindu. 26 May 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  6. ^ "Review: Tamizh's 'Seththumaan' Perfectly Captures the Politics Around Food And Caste". thequint.com. 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  7. ^ kavitha (30 May 2022). "Tamil OTT film 'Seththumaan' weaves a touching tale around pork politics in Kongu region". The Federal. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  8. ^ "Seththumaan to release exclusively on SonyLiv on this date". Cinema express. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  9. ^ "Movie Review| Seththumaan: The first sounds of an important voice". The New Indian Express. 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  10. ^ "'Seththumaan' review: A hard-hitting take on food politics". Deccan Herald. 2 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  11. ^ "Seththumaan movie review: Tamizh makes an impressive directorial debut on a film around food and politics". Firstpost.com. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  12. ^ Muralidharan, Kavitha (16 June 2022). "'Seththumaan,' a poignant tale on caste discrimination". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  13. ^ Athimuthu, Soundarya (28 May 2022). "Review: 'Seththumaan' Perfectly Captures the Politics Around Food & Caste". TheQuint. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  14. ^ "சேத்துமான் - விமர்சனம் {2.75/5} : சேத்துமான் - பன்றிக் கறியும், பங்காளி சண்டையும்… - Seththumaan". Dinamalar. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
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