"Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir" is an action drama written and directed by Venkata Krishna Roghanth in Tamil. It features Vijay Sethupathi in a lead role, along with Magizh Thirumeni, Megha Akash, and Aditya. The film delves into identity, belonging, and the unassuming power of those bearing deep emotional wounds and looking for hope.
"Punithan" (Vijay Sethupathi) is an enigmatic man whose silence speaks volumes. Who is he? From where? What is he looking for? These questions start getting answered when he goes to Kodaikanal in search of a girl named "Kanagarani" (Kanniha), who is working in a carrot farm. During the journey, he encounters "Matilda" (Megha Akash), a talented musician who sings in a local church. Music unites them, and their relationship blossoms as they get connected on a deeper level.
But, the peaceful rhythm of their friendship breaks when Matilda and her friend Jesy find out the truth: Punithan's real name is Kirubanadhi, a refugee hiding his past. As the story shifts to the second half, Punithan opens up to us about his painful journey, his struggles as a displaced person, and his childhood fantasies of performing on a big stage in London.
The movie plunges into his physical and emotional struggles: not only to locate Kanagarani, but to stake a claim in a world that reminds him repeatedly that he doesn't belong. Defying all odds, Punithan has the courage to live his dream of becoming a musician.
"Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir" attempts to tackle the serious issue of the refugee identity in an honest manner. Vijay Sethupathi delivers a genuine performance. But the film trips at times because of too many subplots and forced drama. It's a film with good intentions, but the narration doesn't work.