Naachiyaar Review: A confluence of brilliant narration, acting and music

Chennai

The story begins with ACP Naachiyaar (Jyotika) entering the police station to submit her leave letter to take some time off from her investigation of a statutory rape and go on vacation with her family. Meanwhile, a woman meets Naachiyaar at the police station to inform her that the minor pregnant girl, Arasi, a servant maid (Ivana), whom she had been looking for is at the Palavanthangal Railway Station. Naachiyaar immediately leaves the police station but misses her by a whisker and the girl’s uncle picks her up. 

Naachiyar chases them down and takes the girl under her custody. As the film’s dramatic opening paves way for an interesting first half, Kaathavarayan, a fruit vendor (GV Prakash) is introduced, who is being chased by the police before being nabbed on charges of raping Arasi and is sent to a juvenile home. Meanwhile, Naachiyaar takes Arasi to her house as her husband is a gynaecologist.  As the story gets more gripping towards the end of the first half, Arasi gives birth to a boy baby and a DNA test is done. Much to everyone’s surprise, DNA of the child doesn’t match with that of Kaathu’s. 

However, Naachiyaar doesn’t reveal that Kaathu isn’t the child’s father. This sets the tone for a riveting second half. Whether or not the truth is revealed to Arasi and will Kaathu accept the reality, forms the crux of the story. Naachiyaar , like other Bala films has a few hard-hitting moments. However, unlike Sethu or Nandha , the idea is conveyed in a light-hearted manner. It also has a strong message for the audience and in fact the film begins on that note. 

While a few sections of the audience took offence to the use of expletives by Jyotika in the teaser, the movie silences everyone with a loud and clear justification for the usage. Ilaiyarajaa’s music is yet another treat. It’s a mix of both modern day music and Ilaiyarajaa’s trademark tunes from the past. GV Prakash has got his Madras baashai right, yet again. With his expressions and subtle variations, GV manages to impress from the beginning.  Naachiyaar has brought out the performer in GV and will make you realise that he is more than your Kadavul Irukaan Kumaaru or Enakku Innoru Peru Irukku boy-next-door actor. 

Coming to debutant Ivana, she has lived the role of Arasi. With her emotions, the actress is sure to steal everyone’s heart. However, it is Jyotika, who is clearly the winner stealing the thunder from her co-stars. She has aced the role that has multiple shades — that of a ruthless police officer, a responsible wife and a caring mother. She looks like the Kaakha Kaakha Maya donning the khaki. This role of hers will be etched in the memory of the audience. The actress has also dubbed for her role and has done a great job. All these put together and with a run time of less than two hours, Naachiyaar is certainly a winner.

Cast:  Jyotika, GV Prakash, Ivana and Rockline Venkatesh 

Directedby: Bala 

Music: Ilaiyarajaa 

Synopsis: A teenage couple falls in love and suddenly finds themselves in a complicated situation after an unplanned pregnancy, which are followed by questions of statutory rape. Naachiyaar, a lady cop takes up the case and her investigations open up a Pandora’s Box

Rating:4/5

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