'Magamuni' Film Review: Solid writing makes Magamuni a winner

However, it’s worth the wait, as his writing has only gotten stronger, intense and powerful. Magamuni is a tale of two separated twin brothers, who have a very contrasting characterisations and ideologies. While circumstances force Maga (Arya) to take up the job of a hitman, his estranged brother Muni grows up to become a teacher. The film is all about how the deeds of one affect the life of another.

Though the plot sounds similar to many Tamil films that had heroes playing dual roles, Santhakumar makes a difference by narrating it in a non-linear style with hard-hitting sequences. His writing is so intense that it doesn’t let the audience to take their eyes off from the screen even for a second.

In the first scene, we are introduced to Maga, a cab driver who is struggling to make his living. However, as progresses, we learn that Maga is also someone, who plots the murder for Muthuraj (Ilavarasu), a local politician in the city. Though he wanted to stay away from all this, his economic condition forces him to accept another assignment from Ilavarasu. Maga’s decision not only affects his wife Viji (Indhuja) but also puts his life in stake. The audience also get to see the story of another man, Muni, who lives in a village in Erode district. He preaches Vivekananda teachings and also strives hard to educate the underprivileged kids in his locality. Trouble begins, when the daughter of an industrialist, Deepa (Mahima), meets him to get help for her final year project. Deepa’s father plots to murder Muni, as he doesn’t want her daughter to develop feelings for a lower-caste man. The second half is all about how these two characters finds solutions to their problems and how these two lives intersect.

Magamuni also touches upon several issues that have been tormanting our society for more than a century. The scene where Muni talks about social discrimination and casteism to one of the students in his school, evokes applause from the audience. What brings life to this script is Arya’s impeccable performance. After Bala’s Naan Kadavul, this is the film that has brought the best out of the actor. His intense look and expressions make us to fall inlove with both the characters, despite differences in their ideologies. The only problem with this film is its duration. Too much of detailing in the second half could have been avoided.

Mahima Nambiar’s performance as an independent, fierce girl is solid and well-written. Indhuja, too, steals the show with her heart-wrenching performance. Every character in the film adds value to the script and it has come out well. Thaman’s background score is excellent and has elevated the emotions in the film. Magamuni is definitely worth your money and it will be remembered for years to come.