Film- Rooban
Director- Iyyappan S.
Cast-Vijay Prasad,Gayathri Rema, Charlie,Elang Karthikeyan, Ramar, Kanja Karuppu,Thangaraj.
Films revolving around religion and mythology have been a rarity on Tamil screen in these times. But with the Malayalam film ‘Malikkapuram’, revolving around a little girl’s devotion to Lord Ayyappa getting a positive response, the interest in devotional films seems to have got a boost-up. ‘Rooban’ marks the return of the socio- religious scenario on Tamil screen after a long gap.
Set in a rural milieu, the plot revolves around Shanmugam a devotee of Lord Ayyappa ,and his wife (Prasad, Gayathri),a childless couple, mocked by their neighbours, their presence at family functions considered inauspicious. It reminds one of a similar scenario in the recent release, ‘Veppam Kulir Mazhai’. Finding an abandoned baby, the couple names him Mani and brings him up as their own son. When a tiger appears in the village, and the forest officers impose restrictions, the devotees find themselves barred from taking the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. It’s how the issue is resolved, faith and religion making its play. Vijay Prasad with his swarthy rough looks and angry man demeanour, suits the role of Shanmugam. Gayathri is adequate in the space and scope given.
What begins as a social commentary, soon turns into a religious-scenario as the narrative progresses. The early part offers nothing novel or refreshing by way of content or style. The narrative peps up towards the closing moments. It depicts the depth of faith in Lord Ayyappa’s devotees and the rituals associated with the pilgrimage to Sabarimala Temple. There is a Kantara-touch towards the latter part.The songs, mainly devotional, are vibrant and appealing.
An average entertainer ’Rooban’ (122 minutes) could probably appeal to those who have been missing out on watching movies revolving around religion and mythology.
Malini Mannath
Malini Mannath 