From Sasi, director of quality entertainers such as Sollamale and Dishyum, comes the subtle Poo. Though a love story, Poo is not a film that talks about flamboyant romance and unrealistic love. Revolving around an innocent village girl’s pristine affection for her cousin, the film explores and reveals the desires and anticipations of many other people connected to her.
Poo begins with a flashback showing the romance of cousins Mari (Parvathy) and Thangarasu (Srikanth). Mari idolizes Thangarasu; she displays her unconditional love through furtive glances and concealed expressions. When questioned, Mari clearly and boldly admits her love and desire to marry him; within their community, their relationship permits marriage. Though the innocent Mari would love to marry Rasu, all she heartily aspires is his welfare and happiness. Thangarasu is equally fond of Mari, but he also has some high ambitions. This son of a toiling villager wants to acquire a professional degree, to experience city life and to rise above poverty; he wants elevate his family’s economic status by studying hard and getting a good job.
While Rasu and Mari’s almost-unspoken love affair continues, complications arise. Rasu’s father orders his son to marry the local mill-owner’s daughter. Moreover, Rasu’s desire to marry Mari fizzles out when he visits his friend’s family and observes the possible perils of genetic defects in the offspring of a consanguineous marriage. Mari’s family boycotts Rasu’s wedding and Mari attempts suicide. So what happens next? Will Mari give up her love? Will she continue to dwell on her sweet dreams while Rasu is married to another? Will Thangarasu’s wedding benefit him and his family? Does Thangarasu’s father, in his tearing hurry to enter into a favourable alliance, stop to ponder on the priorities of his future daughter-in-law? How does he react and change his plans? What consequences can the forced marriage bring about? Watch Poo and you will know!
Clearly, heroine Parvathy is the epicentre of Poo. With her astonishingly realistic expressions and solid performance, this young girl makes everybody empathize with her, sharing her joys and sorrows. For Srikanth, it is a ground-breaking attempt. His role and his measured performance leave a telling impression on audiences. The chirpy girl who plays Mari’s friend and the depressed old man who plays Srikanth’s father too steal the scenes.
Director Sasi’s effort shows in each frame. Absorbing the essence of a short story by Tamizhselvan, Sasi has weaved a worthy entertainer without compromising on the screen priorities and without diluting the story’s prominence. So Poo does not bother to cobbler a happy ending on the audiences. It follows the story’s course and gives a logical ending. Kumaran’s music in Poo has created a big buzz in the industry. All the songs are good.
The village, along with its unassuming people, their unconditional love and their value for relationships, comes alive in Poo. At every point, the film caresses the soul, evoking a gentle yet profound feeling. A tremend
Banner: Moserbaer, Nesagee Cinemas
Cast: Srikanth, Parvathy
Direction: Sasi
Music: S S Kumaran