Gevi Movie Review: Emotion Wins, Screenplay Falters

Director Tamil Dhayalan’s Gevi is a sincere social drama spotlighting the struggles of tribal communities in the remote hills of Kodaikanal. Backed by a sizeable ensemble cast including Sheela Rajkumar, Aadhavan, Jacquline Lydia, and Charles Vinoth, the film raises important questions about infrastructure negligence and political apathy, but falters in its execution.

The film centers around Malayan (Aadhavan), a tribal man whose village suffers due to the lack of proper road access to hospitals. When a tragic landslide claims five lives, a politician arrives to offer hollow condolences. Malayan confronts him, which leads to a tense conflict with a vindictive police officer. Meanwhile, Malayan’s pregnant wife (Sheela Rajkumar) nears labor, adding urgency and emotional depth to the narrative.

Sheela Rajkumar delivers a power-packed performance with quiet authenticity. Aadhavan, too, impresses with a restrained yet sincere portrayal. Jacquline Lydia plays a doctor with limited screen time but manages to leave an impact. Supporting actors lend realism to the ensemble, enhancing the film’s grounded tone.

Technically, the cinematography stands out. A large portion of the film unfolds in near darkness—shot impressively with limited lighting to reflect the grim reality. The music and background score by Balasubramaniam G and Raja Ravivarma elevate emotional moments, especially the climactic song which deeply conveys the pain of neglected hill communities.

However, the film’s second half turns into a major drawback. While the first hour builds up with promise, the narrative momentum stalls post-interval. Despite a hard-hitting climax and real-life visuals in the end credits that evoke genuine empathy, the screenplay’s pacing and engagement waver significantly.

In short, Gevi has its heart in the right place. It delivers a strong message and boasts commendable performances, but its theatrical impact is dampened by a sluggish and uneven screenplay.