Naangal Movie Review : Strong vision stretched over a slow journey

, this is the story of three young brothers navigating life under a father who operates on a different frequency than most parents. Director Avinash Prakash, who also handled writing, cinematography, and editing (talk about wearing multiple hats), clearly poured a lot into this portrait of a fractured family.

Review: At the centre is Rajkumar (a compelling Abdul Rafe), a man obsessed with the appearance of success and rigid discipline – perhaps unsurprising for the chairman running his own school – even as his reality involves unpaid bills and a house often lacking electricity. His sons – Karthik (Mithun V), Gautam (Nithin D), and Dhruv (Rithik Mohan) – aren't just children; they're his workforce, tasked with maintaining the house to his exacting, almost military, standards. Think less "father knows best," more "father knows best how spotless this floor should be." It’s a specific kind of personality – demanding, image-conscious, narcissistic – that feels disturbingly real within the film's isolated setting and pre-social media timeframe.

What makes Naangal interesting, and saves Rajkumar from being a one-note tyrant, is its refusal to paint him as pure evil. There are flashes of genuine affection, moments where his love for the boys pierces through the harsh exterior. He can be spontaneously warm one minute, only to revert to the demanding taskmaster the next. This unpredictability creates a constant, low-level tension. It’s a complex, frustrating portrayal of a man whose love seems inextricably tied up with control and projection. You watch the boys endure this, constantly walking on eggshells, and can't help but wonder which among them is going to become the “like father, like son.”

Avinash uses the visuals effectively – the frequent shifts to black and white during Rajkumar's intense moments, the careful use of natural light – to build this atmosphere. It’s often beautiful to look at, capturing the quiet dread and the small, fleeting moments of childhood joy the boys snatch when they can, sometimes finding solace with their dog, Kathy. It aims for a slice-of-life feel, observing the rhythms of this unusual household.

However, "slice-of-life" can sometimes translate to "slow." And Naangal, at two-and-a-half hours, definitely tests patience. While the film effectively immerses you in the boys' world, there are stretches where it feels repetitive, lingering on points already well-established. A tighter edit could have potentially delivered the same emotional weight with more momentum. Additionally, the plot mechanics keeping the boys solely under Rajkumar's roof, despite a seemingly concerned mother and grandfather elsewhere, feel a little convenient for the drama rather than entirely convincing.

Naangal is undeniably a thoughtfully crafted film, anchored by a strong central performance and the natural, subtle work from the three young actors playing the sons, all contributing to its distinct mood. It offers an unflinching look at a difficult upbringing. But its deliberate pacing and sheer length dilute its impact somewhat, making it a film that requires a certain level of viewer commitment. It’s a significant, personal statement, but one that feels like it could have benefited from leaving a little more unsaid.

-Written by Abhinav Subramanian