Movie Review: Keerthy brings Savithri back to life

Director Nag Ashwin’s idea to explore her life from the point of view of young journalist Madhuravani, creates curiosity among the audience. He makes us empathise with the protagonist, love her for the person she was and even justify her turning into an alcoholic.  

The story of Savithri (played by Keerthy Suresh), as told through the eyes of two underdog reporters, begins in the interiors of Vijayawada, where she moves into her uncle’s (Rajendra Prasad) place as a child, along with her mother. Her passion for dance at a young age makes her taste success in theatre with her friend Susheela (Shalini Pandey). 

However, her greedy uncle wants her to make a career in cinema, as there’s no money in stage plays. In 1949, a bold, young Savithri, travels all the way to Madras with her uncle to realise his dream. Though her first visit to the city doesn’t give her an opportunity in cinema, a photograph of her clicked by Gemini Ganesan, acts as her destiny’s call. 

What follows is the meteorite rise of a star, a tragic love story that tears her apart and a series of betrayal, even from her own staff. Samantha’s serious approach to her role as a young journalist was quite impressive. She maintains the mood of her character throughout the film, without overdoing it. However, her on-screen time doesn’t give the audience a chance to relate or to laud her performance. 

Moreover, the romance between Vijay Deverakonda and her didn’t have scope to light up the screen. Keerthy Suresh effortlessly makes the audience believe that she is nothing but another version of Savithri. Be it her smile, swag, persona or make-up, she brings Nadigaiyar Thilagam back to life on 70mm and delivered a breath-taking performance. 

Shots that synchronise her reactions with the footages from Savithri’s old films were an interesting attempt and gave the audience clarity on the timeline. When Gemini Ganesan revealed that he was already married, and had two kids, Keerthy’s performance made our heart heavy and we fall in love with her even more. 

Nadigaiyar Thilgam will definitely be that one film in Keerthy’s filmography that she will cherish for life. Dulquer’s charm and innocence he feigns deems him fit for the title of South Indian Casanova but it seemed like the actor intentionally avoided imitating Gemini Ganesan’s mannerisms and style. 

The grainy visuals of 80s are something to be talked about. Cinematographer Dani Sanchez Lopez transported the audience back to the era, making us forget reality. Mickey J Meyer’s background scores sets the mood for the emotional journey; the rhythm chanted within us even after we stepped out of the theatre. 

However, a big letdown for the Tamil audience was that the film was not a bilingual, as they projected it to be. Nadigaiyar Thilagam is just a dubbed version of Mahanati. 

Considering the fan base that Savithri had in Tamil Nadu, filmmakers could have opted to shoot it in both the languages. Overall, Nadigaiyar Thilagam was an emotional and perfect tribute to a legendary actress, who ended her days branded an alcoholic and fallen star.