Peranbum Perungobamum – A Moderately Engaging Socio-Thriller That Lacks the Punch

Peranbum Perungobamum is a compelling socio-thriller that dives deep into the caste-based injustices still haunting our society. At the heart of the film is a young man’s battle against these entrenched evils. What sets this film apart is the unconventional and thought-provoking way in which he chooses to confront them. Directed by debutant S. Sivaprakash, the film also marks the acting debut of Vijith Bachan, son of acclaimed filmmaker Thankar Bachan, who delivers a solid performance in the lead role. Shali K Nivekas plays the female lead, adding grace and strength to the narrative.

The film opens on a gripping note with a male nurse (played by Vijith) under intense police interrogation for a brutal crime he’s allegedly committed. What follows is far more unsettling — a shocking revelation that rattles the very foundation of caste pride and tradition upheld by the so-called dominant community in his village. His actions, though extreme, are rooted in love. It is a desperate attempt to seek justice for the woman he loved (Shali), whose life took a tragic turn within the very space she once considered safe.

Though Vijith Bachan appears visibly young for a role that occasionally demands him to portray a 45-year-old man, he puts in sincere effort to carry the weight of the character convincingly in those moments. He is much more at ease and effective in the flashback portions, where he fits naturally into the role as written. Shali K Nivekas (credited as Shaiji) delivers a grounded and emotionally resonant performance, particularly shining in a gut-wrenching scene where her character attempts to escape the clutches of a cruel fate. The supporting cast is well-chosen, each actor contributing meaningfully to the narrative with clearly defined character arcs and commendable performances.

The musical score by Ilaiyaraaja is decent and lends emotional depth to certain key scenes, but the songs themselves fall short of leaving a lasting impact. For those expecting something on par with his hauntingly beautiful “Unna Ninachu” from Psycho, this soundtrack may feel underwhelming. While the background score serves the film well, the songs do not quite rise to the maestro’s usual benchmark. The cinematography is serviceable, capturing the narrative without much flair. It does its job but doesn’t stand out visually.

While the core plot holds strong thematic value and timely relevance, the screenplay unfolds in a somewhat formulaic and predictable fashion, missing the edge and layering that could have elevated the storytelling. Vijith Bachan, despite his earnest efforts, struggles to consistently bring out the emotional depth the role demands. A more seasoned actor, someone like Manikandan, known for his subtle yet powerful performances, might have added more weight and authenticity to the character’s emotional arc, especially in portraying complex layers of love, rage, and sorrow.

On the whole, Peranbum Perungobamum echoes traces of the web series 1000 Babies in its theme and treatment, but it lacks the finesse and narrative grip to fully captivate its audience. While debut filmmaker S. Sivaprakash shows promise, especially as a disciple from the Balu Mahendra school of filmmaking, this outing feels more like a moderate attempt than a fully realized vision. Hopefully, with experience and a stronger narrative voice, Sivaprakash will deliver something more distinct and compelling in his future ventures.