Seththumaan (2022) Poster

(2022)

User Reviews

Review this title
4 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
7/10
An allegory of class division using a whole hog (pork)
samxxxul26 May 2022
My expectations for Seththumaan (aka) Sethumaan movie was high, because of just one name 'Neelam Production', It is one of the best thing to happen to Tamil cinema consistently generating incredible stories. The creative collaboration with director Thamizh can be safely considered as yet another good attempt. He skilfully placed the everyday scenario in a Rural village created by bringing such interesting subjects together into the 'ordinary' molds of the genre using Pork consumption. All this madness is very interesting to watch, attention to detail and a selection of colourful visuals, landscape, the background score fits perfectly.

The plot is based on the struggle of the main character, Poochi, an elderly man from low caste who takes upon himself to look after his grandson Kumaresan after the death of his son and daughter-in-law. From the very first minutes of viewing, the viewer is given to understand that a tragic ending awaits. Moreover, with every minute the feeling of pain will intensify, there are lighter heart-warming scenes but the plot will rage as the characters will give place for the inner demons. The secondary characters are also not far behind: The director uses the Pork fetish and places it in the plot. For the upper caste, Pig is a filthy animal, a sign of abomination but for Landlord Vellaiyan, it means a delicacy. He sometime bleeds while taking a dump and regards Pork meat as a cure. He wants every men in the village to try pork meat and suggests it as a laxative for difficult bowel movement. Then we have Suruli, another fan of Pork meat, the cousin of Vellaiyan. They both fight over silly matters, the usual ones we see in the villages that turns ugly. We have a school master, consuming pork meat and doesn't want to be spotted in the village while doing it and behaves as if he is visiting a brothel in secrecy. I loved the the sequences of the pig breeder who belongs to the same class as Poochi. He exudes confident and backs Poochi to raise his voice against the oppression. This was role was perfect to see the thought process 2 generations that faced continues oppression from the hands of the upper caste.

In closing, it is an irresistible desire to eat pork meat that occupies the thoughts of the rich, this craving for pig is crammed into one huge bowl. Everything taste perfectly here, until they tag along to eat Pork which ends in a tragic finale. Also, there is the cooking process of the pork (in graphic detail) which might be a turn off for some. The simple plot is generously flavoured with good performances, dialogues, music, comedy, tragedy and subtle irony, never ceases to amaze with its themes right up to the finale as the title drops.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
IFFK Review: Pork Consumption + Caste Politics / Grade C+
nairtejas22 February 2021
Yet another film about caste politics (at the 2021 IFFK), this Tamil social drama takes a dig at meat consumption and the differing viewpoints related to it, centered around a family feud. It's obvious what effect the makers are going for for the climax right at the beginning, but it does not dilute the experience, which is intense to say the least. A modern tragedy that we all have heard or read or seen somewhere before, Seththumaan (Pig) is worth a watch. Grade C+.

(Watched at the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).)
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
a film for pig meat eaters
saru202030 May 2022
The film revolves around a unique plot that has never been portrayed in any film and that's the big plus where you get to know about a certain region of people whose livelihood depends on the pig meat business.

The film also portrays a sequential tale of racism which is what I had expected having seen director Ranjit's name as producer.

I watched this film expecting it to be something like the film Kadaisi vivsayi but I was only disappointed.

I really don't know why but I hate watching these kinda films where racism is portrayed to a greater extent, especially the films where director Ranjith gets involved.

One more thing that you get to know is how a brother-in-law would fight so egoistically for silly things and gets end up their lives in a non-sensical way.
2 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Not well executed
kathiravanvj28 May 2022
The story is very simple and it speaks a social issue. They could have done well but they failed in areas of screenplay, dialogue and to say overall that the movie is not executed well enough the core idea. One time watchable.
0 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed