There’s a mood in every Ratnam film I’ve watched so far, which makes me connected to his stories. I don’t know how to define it but it’s just something which makes me realize that it’s an Indian version. The relatable characters, real locations make it more connective. Talking about his 2002 film Kannathil Muthamittal, the structure of Ratnam’s storytelling goes as, A little glimpse of the main plot, Executed Drama, Arisal of Conflict, Then the fairy tale part and heading towards the Climax, a perfect conclusion of the story. In a similar instance, this film begins with a prologue, then it takes us a period ahead. We are from the perspective of a nine-year-old girl and that’s where the magic lies, the moments are bigger and memorable. Through Amudha’s voice, we are introduced to the world of Kannathil Muthamittal.
And she’s the one who introduces her world that is the characters revolving her life as it is her story. The conflict of the film arises when her parents Thiru (R Madhavan) and Indra ( Simran Bagga ) reveals Amudha that she’s an adopted child. Further, we follow a deep insight into child psychology as she’s in desperate want to meet her biological mother. The prologue i.e the glimpse I mentioned takes us to long-lasting Sri Lanka and Refugees Connection. And as they search for her biological mother, Ratnam further explores the sides of War, Life of Refugees, and their cycle of life which continues with misplacement and destruction.
The most important moment in the film is during the climax when Shyama (Nandita Das), Amudha’s biological mother takes her in her arms and they have a short yet heartwarming chat. And post all these when Amudha finally stops crying and turns in Simran’s arm that’s where the title of the film gets its life, Kannathil Muthamittal (A Peck on the Cheek). The film is a reunion of emotions.
That’s how beautifully Mani Ratnam crafts and concludes the story. Share your views and stay tuned to The Indian Wire for more such articles.