Kazhuvethi Moorkkan is a Tamil film that sheds light on the caste system and its place in contemporary politics in Tamil Nadu. The film follows Moorkkan, who belongs to a dominant caste, and his friend Bhoomi, who belongs to an oppressed community. The film exposes the frailty behind the caste-based discrimination and even explores the politics behind growing a moustache. The film is perhaps the first in the anti-caste film movement in Tamil Nadu to criticize casteism that exists not just on the top level of Varnashram but even at the bottom. The film’s title gives away what the hero will do in the climax, where Moorkkan puts someone on a stake.
As seen on a recent review on Indian Express, Kazhuvethi Moorkkan is a movie that explores the intricacies of the caste system and its role in contemporary politics. The film’s director, SY Gauthama Raj, does not shy away from criticizing the casteism that exists not just on the top level of Varnashram but even at the bottom. This makes Kazhuvethi Moorkkan perhaps the first film in the anti-caste film movement in Tamil Nadu to delve into such issues.
The movie begins with illustrations and a voiceover about the horrific practice carried out in ancient Tamil Nadu, where those on death row were impaled by putting them on a stake or a spire that went through their body vertically. The graphic details are necessary because Kazhuvu in the film’s title Kazhuvethi (the one who puts someone on the stake) denotes the spire. So, the title gives away what the hero will do in the climax.
The protagonist of the movie, Moorkkan (played by Arulnithi), belongs to a dominant caste in Ramanthapuram. The caste names in the films are not said out loud for obvious reasons, but the actor’s moustache is a giveaway. The film delves into even the politics behind the moustache. Bhoominatha (played by Santhosh Pratap), Moorkan’s beloved friend, who belongs to the oppressed community, points out that one has to belong to a certain caste to even grow a big moustache as Moorkkan. In another instance, an ageing bank security guard, who is ordered to get rid of Moorkan, pleads to him secretly to leave without causing him any trouble. The guard points out how they both have the same kind of moustache, which is the only qualification he has for the job. The brilliant writing exposes the frailty behind the twirling moustaches.
Bhoomi is a social activist who works for the progress of his community. On the other hand, Moorkkan is a jobless ruffian who stands up for Bhoomi whenever he has to. Their friendship is odd in the eyes of the rest of the villagers and even irritates the upper caste people. When the poster of an upper-caste leader is torn and soiled, Bhoomi ends up facing the wrath of the leader (Rajasimman), who schemes to separate Moorkkan and Bhoomi. Things go as per his plans.
The review on Indian Express mentions that while the movie’s premise is interesting, the craftmanship could have been better. The film’s pacing is uneven, and some of the scenes drag on for too long, making the movie feel longer than it is. Additionally, the climax of the movie, where Moorkkan puts someone on a stake, is poorly executed and lacks impact. However, the movie’s strengths lie in its nuanced portrayal of caste politics and the complex relationships between the characters.
When all is said and done, Kazhuvethi Moorkkan is a movie that explores the caste system and its role in contemporary politics. While the movie’s premise is interesting, the craftmanship could have been better. However, the movie’s strengths lie in its nuanced portrayal of caste politics and the complex relationships between the characters.
