Peranbum Perungobamum Movie Review: A Poignant but Flawed Tale of Love and Retribution
Peranbum Perungobamum (2025), directed by debutant S. Sivaprakash, is a Tamil-language romantic thriller that tackles the heavy themes of caste violence, honor killings, and enduring love. Released on June 5, 2025, and produced by E5 Entertainment and Riota Media Productions, the film stars newcomers Vijith Bachan and Shali Nivekas, supported by Mime Gopi, Aruldoss, and Subatra Robert. With a haunting score by Ilaiyaraaja and a narrative spanning three timelines, the film aims to deliver a socially relevant message wrapped in an emotional love story and revenge drama. While it succeeds in evoking raw emotions and boasts strong performances, its convoluted plotting and uneven execution prevent it from fully realizing its ambitious vision. Review explores the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and impact for audiences seeking meaningful Tamil cinema.
The story follows Jeeva (Vijith Bachan), a senior nurse whose quiet life unravels when he’s arrested in connection with a child kidnapping case. The narrative unfolds across three phases of his life—ages 20, 23, and 46—revealing a tragic past rooted in a rural village scarred by caste-based violence. Flashbacks depict Jeeva’s love story with Kayal (Shali Nivekas), a relationship doomed by societal prejudices and honor killings orchestrated by three powerful men (Mime Gopi, Aruldoss, and others) who later rise to political prominence. Driven by grief and rage, Jeeva embarks on a calculated quest for vengeance, with the film’s opening—a chilling montage of scattered body parts—setting a grim tone. The plot oscillates between past trauma and present retribution, aiming to critique caste inequalities while celebrating love’s resilience.
Vijith Bachan, son of filmmaker Thangar Bachan, makes an impressive debut as Jeeva. His restrained yet intense performance carries the film, particularly in the flashback sequences where his youthful vulnerability and later anguish shine. Shali Nivekas complements him beautifully as Kayal, her warmth and quiet strength lending authenticity to their tragic romance. Their chemistry feels organic, grounding the film’s emotional core. The supporting cast, including Mime Gopi as a menacing caste leader and Aruldoss as a cunning politician, delivers solid performances, though their roles lack depth beyond archetypal villainy. Subatra Robert and Deepa Shankar add fleeting but impactful moments, yet the ensemble feels underutilized, with some characters fading into the background.
Sivaprakash, a protégé of Balu Mahendra, brings a thoughtful lens to the film, emphasizing social inequalities through a visually evocative narrative. JB Dinesh Kumar’s cinematography captures the contrasting settings—rural Theni’s dusty vibrance and urban Mahe’s stark modernity—with finesse, while Ramar’s editing keeps the 150-minute runtime taut, though the frequent timeline shifts can disorient. Ilaiyaraaja’s score is a standout, with tracks like “Oru Manaiviyaai” weaving heartbreak and hope into the narrative. His music elevates key scenes, lingering long after the credits. However, the film’s technical polish can’t fully mask its narrative shortcomings, as the ambitious structure often feels more chaotic than cohesive.
The screenplay, while earnest, is the film’s Achilles’ heel. Its attempt to blend a procedural mystery, romantic drama, and revenge thriller results in a convoluted plot that dilutes its message. The flashback-heavy structure, while aiming for depth, feels like a maze of predictable tropes—honor killings, forbidden love, and vengeance—reminiscent of countless Tamil dramas. The child kidnapping subplot, meant to hook viewers, resolves unsatisfactorily, and the climax’s “shocking revelations” lack the impact promised by Sivaprakash. Compared to films like Pariyerum Perumal, which tackled caste with nuance, Peranbum Perungobamum feels heavy-handed, its social commentary buried under narrative detours.
Social media buzz highlights a polarized reception. Critics like Times of India (2/5) note the film’s ambition but lament its convoluted plotting, suggesting fewer detours could have sharpened its impact. News Today hails it as “emotionally rich,” emphasizing Ilaiyaraaja’s score and the leads’ chemistry, yet acknowledges execution flaws. The film’s box office performance remains modest, with its heavy themes and lack of star power limiting mass appeal, though it resonates in urban centers.
Peranbum Perungobamum is a film with a big heart but faltering steps. Its sincerity in addressing caste violence and love’s endurance is admirable, and the performances, particularly by Vijith and Shali, lend it emotional weight. Ilaiyaraaja’s music and strong visuals further elevate its impact. Yet, its scattered narrative and reliance on familiar tropes prevent it from being the powerful statement it aspires to be. For fans of socially conscious Tamil cinema, it’s a flawed but affecting watch, best appreciated for its intent and standout moments. Had it streamlined its plot and deepened its characters, it could have been a landmark debut for Sivaprakash. As it stands, it’s a poignant reminder of love’s cost and society’s scars, but one that struggles to catch fire.
Rating: 2.5/5