Cover Image Credit – Behind Talkies 

“Chittha” is a 2023 Tamil movie widely popular among South Indian audiences. Directed by S. U. Arun Kumar, the film stars Siddharth, Nimisha Vijayan, and others. In the movie, Eswaran’s life revolves around his niece until one day she goes missing. The film explores Eswaran’s emotional turmoil, following the loss of his niece, the physical abuse of young girls, and the need for support.

The movie begins with an enchanting song with beautiful picturization, “Unakku Thaan,” which showcases Chittha’s selflessness and dedication to Sundari. The film delves into Eswaran and Sakthi’s relationship, further highlighting the complexities of leaving for Sundari’s growth.

In a crucial scene, Ponni’s father confronts his wife over a clogged toilet. When he spots sanitation workers outside, he bargains with one for a cup of tea in exchange for cleaning. The man hesitates to reply, but the female worker intervenes and complies with Ponni’s father, leading to a confrontation. Eswaran intervenes and inadvertently hits Ponni’s father. This scene clearly shows the filmmakers’ commitment to respecting even minor characters and highlights Eswaran’s humility.

The subtle character changes from the previously mentioned scene become noteworthy as we proceed to witness Eswaran’s growth in the movie. It makes us understand that if anyone close to Eswaran is disrespected, he will not tolerate it. He would immediately react to the situation. Eswaran rebels against the humiliation inflicted upon his close circle. When the humiliation itself seems very significant to Eswaran, the abduction and molestation of Ponni and Sundari reveal that he has failed to protect them in their day-to-day life.

Upon finding the abducted girls, Eswaran’s anger surfaces. He desires retribution but distrusts the authorities. This reluctance to rely on legal processes aligns with the qualities of an “Angry Young Man,” a term historically associated with intellectuals of working-class origins addressing societal issues. Eswaran’s archetype becomes clearer as he takes matters into his own hands.

Why Eswaran is an Archetype of the Angry Young Man:

Police officers speculate from the beginning that both abusers are the same. Once they find Ponni’s abuser, they charge him with both cases. Eswaran assumes that leaving the accused free will not be the best way to assure Sundari that she is safe with Chittha. So, he takes matters into his own hands, planning a murder. Until this point, Eswaran appears selfish. But when he finds out that the abuser the police found is only related to Ponni’s case, not Sundari’s, we notice the shades of an “angry young man” slowly emerging.

People around Eswaran know that he is on his way to kill the abuser. They inform him that the abuser is the one who harmed Ponni, not Sundari. Eswaran pauses for a minute, then returns to the bus to stab and kill him. This impulsive reaction without second thought reinforces the idea that Eswaran embodies the “angry young man.”

In a poignant scene, Eswaran expresses a willingness to stay with Sundari forever. However, when Sakthi recalls a past incident of abuse, Eswaran urges her to reveal the address of the abuser so he can hunt him down. She sternly replies that the abuser died years ago and adds, “Go hunt him and kill him now.” This moment prompts a revelation. Sundari doesn’t seek vengeance but yearns for Eswaran’s understanding and presence, shunning the violent path. This realization marks a turning point in Eswaran’s character.

The pre-climax of the movie resonates deeply with the audience. Eswaran understands the situation once Sakthi reveals the necessary steps to be taken for Sundari’s well-being. He stays close to her and attends to her needs. That’s when he realizes how much Sundari needs him. From beginning to end, Eswaran’s character arc rises and falls. The urge to react impulsively gives him shades of the “angry young man,” but understanding the needs and catering to them makes him a relatable human being.

Conclusion:

Eswaran’s actions in “Chittha” align with the “angry young man” trope in Tamil cinema, showcasing a protagonist driven by justice and a willingness to challenge norms. This narrative explores societal issues and the protagonist’s journey, making it a compelling exploration of complex character dynamics and social challenges in Tamil cinema.

Author: Janaki Balasubramanian

Editor’s Note: This article was selected to be published from 46 submissions received for the Unboxed Expressions initiative at Beyond the Box