A melodramatic assertion of toxic traditionalism

HERE is a notion that films that profess wholesome family values have their heart in the right place.

- PRASHANTH VALLAVAN

Nizhar Kudai is the perfect example of how, sometimes, films that vouch for traditional values inadvertently show the regressive foundations of the traditional family system.

The film opens with a heartwarming appeal to reduce the number of retirement homes. It is an interesting storytelling choice to make your protagonist spell out the central message of the film at the very first scene instead of the climax, the way Tamil cinema is used to.

Devayani plays Jothi, a caretaker in the retirement home, who is revered and celebrated by the inmates, who, at one point, shower her with flower petals to show their adoration. After being awarded the 'Best Retirement Home' in the country, Jothi addresses the media (and the audience) to make a heartfelt appeal to reduce the number of such establishments, and for families not to abandon their elders.