My Lord Review – Thoughtful Social Drama with Good Acting

Sasikumar and Chaitra Achar headline My Lord, a socially conscious drama directed by Raju Murugan, whose earlier works — Joker and Gypsy — were marked by political acuity and thematic boldness. With My Lord, the filmmaker turns his gaze towards yet another pressing social malaise: illegal kidney trafficking.

The narrative opens on a strikingly sombre note. A Central Minister (Asha Sharath), diagnosed with kidney failure, undergoes medical evaluation as the film subtly introduces its moral landscape. In a parallel thread, the protagonist (Sasikumar) is found on the verge of suicide within the confines of a government hospital. The cause of his despair is as absurd as it is tragic — both he and his wife (Chaitra Achar) have been officially declared deceased, complete with government-issued death certificates. The intersection of these seemingly disparate strands forms the dramatic backbone of the story.

Raju Murugan’s storytelling once again reflects his affinity for realism, tempered by an empathetic exploration of human vulnerability. The characterisations are crafted with care, lending credibility to the film’s emotional core. Sasikumar delivers a performance of quiet conviction, embodying the character with notable restraint and authenticity. At moments, one senses echoes of his earlier work, though never to the detriment of the present portrayal.

Chaitra Achar emerges as a formidable presence, offering a performance that is both nuanced and arresting. Among the film’s most memorable passages is a sequence rooted in Tamil cultural tradition, where her character becomes the vessel of divine possession during temple rituals — a scene that resonates with dramatic intensity. Asha Sharath lends dignified assurance to her role, while the supporting cast collectively sustains the film’s grounded tonal register.

From a technical standpoint, the film is commendable. Nirav Shah’s cinematography stands out for its understated elegance, capturing the milieu with visual clarity and naturalistic texture. Sean Roldan’s background score functions as an effective emotional undercurrent, enhancing rather than overwhelming the narrative.

Overall, My Lord remains steadfast in its intentions, offering an engaging cinematic experience underscored by sincerity. While not without its familiar narrative rhythms, the film succeeds in provoking reflection, particularly through its engagement with unsettling social realities. Admirers of Raju Murugan’s thematic sensibilities are likely to find this a worthy addition to his body of work.