Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100451000200.htm

Kerala

A view from the other side of the fence

Thavalam

Thavalam directed by Baiju D.D tells the story of a group of nomads who are constantly in search of a safe hold/haven, and the obstacles they encounter in the process.

Scripted by Socrates K.Wallath, the movie has Suresh Gopi doing an offbeat role. But his body language does little to convey the emotions of the character.

Sivan (Suresh Gopi) is an orphan who has no permanent place to stay. He has strayed into Theni village. A cobbler by profession, he does a lot of odd jobs to keep himself going.

The rest of the story is about how Sivan grows up in the viallge atmosphere and confronts a goon squad.

The presence of T.G. Ravi as head of the nomadic tribe, Meena Ganesh and Jagathi Sreekumar makes the movie quite lively. Vayalar Sarath and Sudhamsu’s lyrics are set to music by Natesh Sankar.

Cameraman Anandakuttan tries to capture the rustic beauty of Theni and its surroundings. Thavalam is produced by Jagadeesh Chandran for Kichu Films.

G. Jayakumar