The Tamil film industry continues to expand its repertoire of genres with experimental storylines, and “Tharunam,” the latest offering directed by Arvindh Srinivasan, is no exception. Released on January 14, 2025, the movie features Kishen Das and Smruthi Venkat in lead roles, along with Raj Ayyappa and Bala Saravanan in pivotal roles. Produced by Pugazh and Eden under the banners of Zhen Studios and Arka Entertainments, “Tharunam” explores the nuances of love, fate, and suspense, packaged into a romantic thriller.
With its promising trailer and the star power of its young leads, “Tharunam” raised considerable expectations among moviegoers. But does it deliver on the promise of an engaging cinematic experience? Let’s dive into an in-depth review to find out.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Arjun (played by Kishen Das), a sincere CRPF officer, and Meera (Smruthi Venkat), an ambitious entrepreneur. The film traces their initial encounters, leading to a blossoming relationship. However, their love story is soon challenged by an unexpected turn of events that brings heartbreak, misunderstandings, and suspense.
The narrative builds on the idea that love is not just about togetherness but also about endurance through challenges. While the first half of the movie showcases the couple’s emotional bond, the second half takes on a darker tone as it delves into elements of suspense and mystery. Themes such as moral dilemmas, responsibility, and the fragility of trust are intricately woven into the storyline.
Tharunam Movie Review
Upon its release, “Tharunam” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some appreciated its ambition and performances, others criticized its storytelling for lacking depth and coherence. Abhinav Subramanian of The Times of India rated the movie 3 out of 5 stars, noting,
“Tharunam keeps its story tight and its ambitions modest. It’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and mostly succeeds.”
On the other hand, OTTPlay was far more critical, with Anusha Sundar giving it 1.5 out of 5 stars. She argued,
“Tharunam wants to be a genre-shifting film that makes you get invested in romance from the first half, and a thriller in the second. But barely is the Kishen Das and Smruthi Venkat-starrer able to do it. With its shallow writing and far-from-reality storytelling, ‘Tharunam’ becomes a drab watch.”
The critique highlights a key flaw that has divided opinions: the imbalance between romance and thriller aspects. Where the former succeeds in parts, the latter falters due to overused clichés and lackluster twists.
Direction and Writing
Director Arvindh Srinivasan, recognized for his previous thriller “Dejavu” (2022), attempts to merge two genres—romance and thriller—that inherently come with contrasting tones. His vision to make “Tharunam” a genre-defying film is ambitious, but the results are mixed.
The romantic sequences are heartfelt, aided by natural performances from the lead actors. However, as the film transitions into a thriller, it struggles to maintain believability. Predictable twists and contrived dialogues undermine the tension that the screenplay attempts to build. The pacing, too, varies significantly, with certain scenes dragging unnecessarily while others feel rushed.
That said, Srinivasan deserves credit for addressing themes like fate and personal accountability within a romantic thriller, a combination seldom explored in Tamil cinema.
Performances
One of the film’s standout elements is the performances by the lead cast:
- Kishen Das shines in his role as Arjun, blending vulnerability with moments of determination. His portrayal effectively communicates the inner turmoil of a man torn between duty and his love for Meera.
- Smruthi Venkat, in her role as Meera, delivers a compelling performance. She brings emotional depth to the film, especially during the high-stakes moments in the latter half.
- Supporting actors Raj Ayyappa and Bala Saravanan provide solid contributions. While Raj Ayyappa’s character could have been more fleshed out, he brings a sense of mystery that aligns with the thriller element. Bala Saravanan serves as the film’s comic relief, adding levity without feeling out of place.
Overall, it’s the performances that anchor “Tharunam” even during its weaker narrative moments.
Technical Brilliance
The movie benefits immensely from its technical crew, who elevate its visual and auditory appeal:
- Cinematography by Raja Bhattacharjee is visually striking. His use of lighting, shadows, and close frames creates an intimate and suspenseful atmosphere. The juxtaposition of serene romance with gritty thrills is effectively captured.
- Editing by Arul Elango Siddharth ensures the movie flows cohesively, though some transitions in the second half feel abrupt.
- Music composed by Darbuka Siva plays a significant role in setting the tone. The songs “Enai Neengathe Nee” and “Kaatrai Ketten” leave an impression, while the background score intensifies key moments, particularly in the thriller segments.
Despite these strong aspects, better sound design and smarter use of silence could have amplified the impact of suspense.
Audience Reception
Audience reactions to “Tharunam” have been polarized. The romantic elements, particularly the chemistry between the leads, resonated well with viewers who appreciated a lighthearted first act. However, many felt the thriller aspects fell short of expectations, with some calling the twists “predictable and contrived.”
The film’s multi-language release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam aimed to attract a broad audience, though it remains uncertain if its appeal will transcend regional boundaries. Younger audiences have shown a greater affinity for the film’s exploration of modern relationships, whereas others expected more gripping tension in the thriller half.
Final Thoughts
“Tharunam” is an ambitious attempt at merging romance with suspense, a combination rarely attempted in Tamil cinema. While it succeeds in delivering authentic performances and technical finesse, it falters in the narrative execution, leaving the thriller portion feeling underwhelming. Director Arvindh Srinivasan deserves applause for his effort to offer something unique, but tighter writing and pacing could have significantly enhanced the final product.
For casual viewers, “Tharunam” offers moments of emotional engagement and visual beauty. However, those seeking a tightly wound thriller may leave disappointed. With a runtime of just over two hours, the movie makes for a decent one-time watch, particularly for fans of Kishen Das and Smruthi Venkat.
Rating: 3/5
In Summary
“Tharunam” is a bold, if flawed, experiment in Tamil cinema. While its heart is in the right place, it ultimately proves that the delicate balance of romance and thriller demands an impeccable blend of storytelling finesse and tonal consistency.
