Synopsis
Jama, despite its narrative shortcomings, offers a genuine tribute to Theru Koothu and strives to revive a fading art form.
Cast & Crew
Pari ElavazhaganDirector, Actor
Ammu AbhiramiActor
KVN ManimegalaActor
Vasant MarimuthuActor
Siva MaranActor
A K ElavazhaganActor
Sri Krishna DayalActorJama Movie Review : An honest attempt, not without its flaws
Critic's Rating: 2.5/5
Jama Movie Synopsis:
Jama Movie Review: Kalyanam faces societal criticism due to his feminine mannerisms, developed from playing female roles in Theru Koothu. His mentor and uncle, Thandavam (Chetan Kadambi), leads their troupe, while Kalyanam’s mother (KVN Manimegalai) wishes for him to play male roles like his late father, Ilavarasu (Sri Krishna Dayal).
Kalyanam and Thandavam’s daughter, Jega (Ammu Abhirami), have a long-standing connection. When Kalyanam seeks to marry Jega, Thandavam humiliates him. Despite Jaga’s willingness to marry against her father’s wishes, Kalyanam chooses to focus on his art.
A flashback reveals how Ilavarasu started the first Jama in their village, only to be ousted by Thandavam’s scheming. In the present, Kalyanam resolves to establish his own Jama and restore his father’s legacy.
Jama starts strong, quickly establishing its characters and setting. The first half flows well, revealing Kalyanam and Thandavam’s personalities through their mannerisms. We learn enough about Kalyanam’s backstory, including his father’s connection to Theru Koothu and hints of past tragedy.
However, the second half loses momentum with an unnecessarily lengthy backstory, disrupting the film’s rhythm. Character inconsistencies emerge, particularly with Kalyanam. Despite being portrayed as meek but not foolish, he makes questionable decisions like selling family property to fund his Jama troupe, knowing his potential members are unreliable. His abrupt rejection of Jega also feels out of character.
Technically, the film excels. It authentically portrays Theru Koothu with detailed costumes, engaging performances, and live sound recording. Pari Elavazhagan impresses as both director and lead actor. Chetan Kadambi plays a good antagonist, while Sri Krishna Dayal shines in his koothu performances as Arjunan. Ammu Abhirami handles her “strong woman” role well. KVN Manimegalai lends her versatility. Pari has also extracted best from the supporting cast, with some of them being real life street performers.
Ilaiyaraaja’s music complements the film well, with some on-set recordings enhancing authenticity. Jama, despite its narrative shortcomings, offers a genuine tribute to Theru Koothu and strives to revive a fading art form.
Written By:
Jama Movie Review: Kalyanam faces societal criticism due to his feminine mannerisms, developed from playing female roles in Theru Koothu. His mentor and uncle, Thandavam (Chetan Kadambi), leads their troupe, while Kalyanam’s mother (KVN Manimegalai) wishes for him to play male roles like his late father, Ilavarasu (Sri Krishna Dayal).
Kalyanam and Thandavam’s daughter, Jega (Ammu Abhirami), have a long-standing connection. When Kalyanam seeks to marry Jega, Thandavam humiliates him. Despite Jaga’s willingness to marry against her father’s wishes, Kalyanam chooses to focus on his art.
A flashback reveals how Ilavarasu started the first Jama in their village, only to be ousted by Thandavam’s scheming. In the present, Kalyanam resolves to establish his own Jama and restore his father’s legacy.
Jama starts strong, quickly establishing its characters and setting. The first half flows well, revealing Kalyanam and Thandavam’s personalities through their mannerisms. We learn enough about Kalyanam’s backstory, including his father’s connection to Theru Koothu and hints of past tragedy.
However, the second half loses momentum with an unnecessarily lengthy backstory, disrupting the film’s rhythm. Character inconsistencies emerge, particularly with Kalyanam. Despite being portrayed as meek but not foolish, he makes questionable decisions like selling family property to fund his Jama troupe, knowing his potential members are unreliable. His abrupt rejection of Jega also feels out of character.
Technically, the film excels. It authentically portrays Theru Koothu with detailed costumes, engaging performances, and live sound recording. Pari Elavazhagan impresses as both director and lead actor. Chetan Kadambi plays a good antagonist, while Sri Krishna Dayal shines in his koothu performances as Arjunan. Ammu Abhirami handles her “strong woman” role well. KVN Manimegalai lends her versatility. Pari has also extracted best from the supporting cast, with some of them being real life street performers.
Ilaiyaraaja’s music complements the film well, with some on-set recordings enhancing authenticity. Jama, despite its narrative shortcomings, offers a genuine tribute to Theru Koothu and strives to revive a fading art form.
Written By:
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