Anjaamai Movie Review : Too much melodrama and sensationalisation bring down this film

Anjaamai Movie Synopsis: Sarkar (Vidaarth) is willing to go the extra mile to fulfil his son’s dream of becoming a doctor. How will he and his family navigate as hurdles keep piling up?

Anjaamai Movie Review: Touted to be based on true incidents, SP Subburaman’s Anjaamai delves into the drawbacks that students, especially those who are economically weak, face due to the messed-up educational system. The film primarily revolves around a family from Dindigul — a married couple (Vidaarth and Vani Bhojan) and their two young children. The eldest of the two kids, played by Krithik Mohan, aspires to be a doctor. But, as he tries to pursue his ambition, innumerable difficulties are thrown at him and his family.

The film's basic premise delves into the problems regarding NEET, as there's a lot of pressure on the students to crack the centralised exam. But, rather than trusting the material they have at hand, the makers sensationalise what's going on the screen with an extra layer of melodrama.

The arc of the character played by Rahman, Manickam, is the most heroic among all the characters and also the most irrational. In one instance, he is firing a politician in the police station and that scene is gratuitously dialled up to eleven. Then, all of a sudden, we see him forgo his cop role and switch to lawyer duties!

The first half focuses more on the family, especially the father and son, as they travel to Jaipur for the latter to appear in the NEET exam. Rahman comes more into the spotlight in the second half and therefore, we don't feel anything for the magnanimous act that is supposed to be the standout moment for his character.

Also, midway through Anjaamai, there’s a major shift in the film's point of view. The dramatic high point ahead of the interval is certainly a bold move by the makers as is the decision to not add too many or for that matter, any flashback sequences, just for the sake of pleasing the audience. But, because both the first and second half aren’t effective, this sudden shift becomes an additional issue in not making us fully invested in the film.

Among the cast, Vidaarth and Rahman are both competent in their parts and do their best to sell what's going on. Vani Bhojan also gives her best, even though her role is limited. All in all, Anjaamai acts as a reminder for filmmakers to not go overboard with an emotional plot and to refrain from sensationalising a story.