A social message wrapped in comedy
“Nalla Padam”
– Review
Harish runs a TASMAC bar and also heads an organisation called the ‘Alcohol Lovers Rehabilitation Association’. Ironically, unlike most bar owners who might wait until the day’s work is done before drinking, Harish starts drinking even before opening his establishment. He is rarely seen sober, and his lifestyle doesn’t stop medical student Thanalakshmi from falling in love with him.
Harish and his friends spend most of their time drinking, seemingly indifferent to the damage their addiction causes to themselves and those around them. Their families make repeated attempts to bring them out of the habit, but none of their efforts seem to work.
The turning point comes when prohibition is introduced across India. Suddenly deprived of alcohol, addicts and habitual drinkers struggle to cope and begin searching for alternative ways to get their fix. Eventually, some of them realise that returning to alcohol is no longer an option and gradually learn to live without it. Their transformation brings happiness back into their homes and helps them regain social respect.
Just when everything appears to have fallen into place, circumstances arise that could lead to the reopening of liquor shops. The question then is whether Harish and the others will fall back into their old habits or hold on to the healthier lives they have built. That forms the central conflict of ‘Nalla Padam’.
Dr A Harish brings considerable energy to the lead role. His youthful appearance sometimes makes it difficult to completely buy him as a seasoned bar owner and habitual drinker, but he compensates with an earnest performance. He handles the comedy portions effectively and makes an impression in the romantic and song sequences as well. With roles that are better suited to his screen persona, he could potentially make a stronger mark as a Tamil film hero.
Thanalakshmi does well as a woman who falls for Harish despite his drinking habit. Her character’s determined pursuit of the hero gives the romantic portions their share of entertainment, while she also makes an attractive impression in the songs.
Kalki Raja is one of the film’s more enjoyable performers. His comic timing, distinctive mannerisms, dialogue delivery and internal monologues provide several laughs.
Motta Rajendran, Rama and Priyadarshini, among others, perform their respective roles adequately and contribute to the film’s overall commercial tone.
Cinematographer Iniyan J Harish keeps things functional during the dialogue-heavy portions but gives the songs a youthful visual treatment. The music by Sahishna Xavier offers a few pleasant tracks, while the background score generally follows the mood of the narrative. PR Prakash’s editing is competent without drawing attention to itself.
Writer-director Praburam C has chosen an issue with considerable social relevance. His central argument is that simply warning people that alcohol is harmful to individuals and families means little when liquor continues to remain easily available. The film uses its fictional prohibition scenario to explore what happens when alcohol is suddenly removed from the lives of habitual drinkers.
The execution isn’t always smooth. Given its modest production scale, some portions feel underdeveloped and the messaging occasionally becomes more obvious than nuanced. Still, the filmmaker deserves credit for attempting to address an important social issue through a commercial format that combines humour, romance and drama.
Producer A Azhagu Pandian and lead actor Harish also deserve recognition for backing a film that attempts to start a conversation about alcohol addiction.
‘Nalla Padam’ may not completely succeed as a cinematic experience, but its central message has the potential to stay with viewers. As a lesson about the impact of alcoholism, the film gives its audience something to think about.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5