Kannathil Muthamittal is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language musical war film produced and directed by Mani Ratnam. It was based on a short story, “Amuthavum Avanum” by Sujatha. The film stars R. Madhavan, Simran and P. S. Keerthana with Nandita Das, J. D. Chakravarthy, Prakash Raj, and Pasupathy portraying other pivotal characters. Mani Ratnam spins a heartwarming tale of a Sri Lankan Tamil child adopted by Indian parents, whose desire is to meet her biological mother amid the Sri Lankan Civil War. The film was released on February 14, 2002, marking 22 years of the film this year. On this memorable day, we are looking back at Mani Ratnam’s Masterpiece.
Women of Kannathil Muthamittal
While most of Mani Ratnam’s female characters were way ahead of their time, the women of Kannathil Muthamittal are just exceptional. All the female characters in the film held female subjectivity and agency and weren’t just filling the screen space like most female characters did at the time. The film’s main lead – Amutha, played by Keerthana Parthiban, did an outstanding job, portraying a schoolgirl who is brave, clever, outspoken, and determined to go after what she truly desires. Simran, who played Indira Thiruchelvan, Amutha’s mother, delivered one of her career’s most versatile performances with Kannathil Muthamittal. Indira is a news reporter and a working mom of three kids. Indira is empathetic, strong-willed, and independent. She showcases strength and resilience when Amutha wants to find her biological mother and supports Amutha throughout the journey. Shyama who is Amutha’s biological mother and LTTE cadre is fearless, empowered, and a feminist icon who made some tough choices for her motherland but also displays emotions of an anguished mother when she meets Amutha. Played by Nandita Das, Shyama is one of the strongest characters in Tamil cinema.
Poignant storyline
Kannathil Muthamittal holds one of the most heartfelt and compelling storylines. Inspired by writer Sujatha’s “Amuthavum Avanum”. Maniratnam’s Kannathil Muthamital is heartful and thought-provoking. It is not easy to combine a family-oriented emotional drama while also delivering a serious anti-war message, but Maniratnam managed to pull it off in a subtle yet impactful way.
Men of Kannathil Muthamittal
Women of Kannathil Muthamittal exist unapologetically because the men of Kannathil Muthamittal. They are supportive, understanding, and respectful feminist men who are also in touch with their emotional side. They want the best for the women in their lives and cross barriers and nations to make sure they get that. Thiruchelvan uses his wife’s name Indira as his pen name, and Ganesan, Indira’s father takes care of her sons while she is away to find Amutha’s biological mother. Men of Kannathil Muthamittal are one of the important reasons to return to the film and must be protected at all costs.
ARR’S soundtrack
One cannot leave ARR’s soundtracks while listing reasons to watch the movie. Kannathil Muthamittal marks the iconic duo, Maniratnam, and ARR’s seventh project together, and as always ARR’s music played a vital role in setting the mood of the movie. The movie begins and ends with the song “Vellai Pookal” an anti-war song, used to enhance the emotional impact of certain scenes in the movie. This film also got ARR his Fourth National Award for Best Music Direction.
Cinematography
The film’s breathtaking and immersive cinematography by Ravi. K. Chandran is yet another reason to watch the film. From capturing the beauty of Sri Lankan landscapes to capturing the brutality of the war, Ravi. K. Chandran’s frames captivate the audience’s attention and hold them till the movie ends.
Turning 22 this week, Kannathil Muthamital is one of the most iconic must-watch evergreen films that you must revisit this weekend!
