House Owner movie review: A moving survival drama

Top News

Amit Shah proposes extension of President's Rule in J&K; says polls by year end

LiveNo grounds for extension of Presidents Rule in J&K: Oppn

G-20 Summit 2019 in Osaka: 10 things we know so far

House Owner movie cast: Sriranjani, Aadukalam Kishore, Lovelyn Chandrasekhar, Pasanga Kishore
House Owner movie director: Lakshmy Ramakrishnan
House Owner movie rating: 3.5 stars

Advertising

I dont remember the last time I saw a survival drama in Tamil with so much depth, warmth and empathy. Its a splendid thing to happen once in a while to us—like a whiff of fresh air. House Owner opens with a traditional Palakkad Brahmin wedding scene of Vasu (Pasanga Kishore) and Radha (Lovelyn Chandrasekhar). Little Radha is dressed in crisp madisaar and Vasu is seen wearing a panchakachcham. First, Vasu isnt all that interested in the marriage, but once he sees Radha, his mind changes. (Or, can I say the heart?) Hes smitten by her. We get the next shot where Vasu, retired from the army, has Alzheimers. He doesnt live in the present but is stuck in the past. All he remembers is Radha. Her eyes, her smile, her innocence.

At present, Vasu is 60-something and not even aware of what is happening around him. Someone should guide him to the restroom, serve him food, get him clothes and make him sleep. He has no memory of what he ate earlier but recalls those beautiful moments he shared with younger Radha, post the wedding that took place 30 years ago. There is this scene where Radha asks Vasu who she is, he replies, “Nee Radha illa. Ava azhaga irupaa; nee gundaa iruka.” Vasu mistakes Radha for someone else. Just imagine how it feels like. Lakshmy Ramakrishnan has written those moments with so much care that you naturally well up for her characters.

Vasu sings, “Abhi Naa Jaao Chodkar…” the first time he sees Radha. He was a loving husband then. Now, he remembers only the song; nothing else. Alzheimers dementia not only affects the patient but also those around them. It can cause a lot of stress for caregivers. But Radha doesnt hate Vasu. She still loves him and sticks around. Vasus aggressive body language can be irritating, but Radha doesnt complain. Shes the embodiment of courage, sacrifice, hope and unconditional love.

Advertising

The entire film, set in the backdrop of 2015 Chennai floods, revolves around Radha, who struggles to move out of her house with a non-cooperative Vasu. The narration shifts between the older and younger versions of Radha and Vasu. How beautiful is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return? Read More – Source