“Vattakkanal” marks the debut of Dhruvan Mano, son of the renowned playback singer Mano, in the role of Sathya. Directed by Pithak Pugazhenthi, the film explores an emotional and tragic tale set against the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal. Meenakshi Govindaraj plays Varsha, a girl who loses her speech after witnessing a traumatic incident, while R. K. Suresh delivers a strong performance as Kathiravan, a man driven by greed. The film also stars Mano himself as Jeffi, Aadukalam Naren as Chellapandi, and Vidhya Pradeep as Radha, all of whom contribute effectively to the narrative.
The story unfolds in the misty hills of Kodaikanal, beautifully captured through the camera, showcasing the natural charm and breathtaking scenery of the region. Director Pithak Pugazhenthi introduces a fresh and bold concept revolving around “magic mushrooms,” which grow naturally in certain hill areas. The film attempts to shed light on how greed and desire can destroy lives, even in the most serene and peaceful environments.
Kathiravan, portrayed by R. K. Suresh, is a man whose greed for power and profit leads him to exploit others. He adopts three orphaned boys, Sathya, Shiva, and another — for his selfish gains. Varsha, played by Meenakshi Govindaraj, is a young girl who loses her father Jeffi (Mano) in a car accident and becomes mute after witnessing the tragedy. Her childhood dream of giving a piece of land to her workers adds emotional depth to the story, making her character both innocent and inspiring.
The film gradually weaves together the lives of Sathya, Varsha, Radha, and Chellapandi, showing how Kathiravan’s greed for the profitable magic mushroom business turns their lives into a web of pain and tragedy. Each subplot reflects a different aspect of human emotion, love, betrayal, and survival, making the movie a layered emotional drama.
Technically, “Vattakkanal” stands out for its cinematography, which beautifully captures the misty hills and lush landscapes of Kodaikanal. Maris Vijay’s music adds the right emotional tone to the film, enhancing the storytelling experience. Director Pithak Pugazhenthi deserves appreciation for bringing a unique and socially relevant concept to Tamil cinema. While the film has a few rough edges in pacing, the emotional performances, and the message it carries make it a sincere and engaging effort.
Verdict: “Vattakkanal” is a visually stunning film with an emotional core, highlighting how human greed can destroy innocence and love, a promising debut for Dhruvan Mano and a meaningful attempt by director Pithak Pugazhenthi.
