With the times having changed, there has been a spurt in OTT content, which has so far remained a mixed bag. While there have been several wonted contents, you have also had ones that have sprung a surprise on you like Soorarai Pottru, Putham Pudhu Kaalai, etc. Netflix’s anthology Paava Kadhaigal also falls under this category.

Oor Iravu

Oor Iravu, directed by Vetrimaaran and starring Prakash Raj and Sai Pallavi in the lead, follows the story of a father, played by Prakash Raj and whether he comes to terms with his daughter Sumathi (Sai Pallavi) marrying out of caste. Even if it’s an everyday reality that has been translated on to the screen, coming from the stable of Vetrimaaran, you do feel a bit disappointed with the way the content has shaped up, especially the predictability of it.

However, Pallavi and Prakash Raj more than make up for the flaws with their effortless performances. While there is nothing that any of us really need to say about Prakash’s performance, he is a veteran in his own right, it is Sai Pallavi who stuns, especially with her body knowledge, that of a pregnant woman. Like how Vidya Balan did it in Kahaani, it doesn’t cross your mind that the actor isn’t really pregnant or this is just play-acting. Like most others, Vetrimaaran has banked on comic strips to focus on the graphic content of dishonour killing. Perhaps, in a bid to silence a section of the critics who had called out the violence in his offerings.

Thangam

Thangam, directed by Sudha Kongara, can easily be called the best of the lot and Kalidas Jayaram could easily be conferred the best performer, considering he has the most difficult and nuanced role of all, one in which he comes up with all triumphs. Set in the 80s, Thangam follows Sattar (Kalidas) who’s on his way to metamorphosing as a transwoman and the pure love he holds for the love of his life (Shanthnu Bhagyaraj), who by a cruel twist of fate is in love with Thangam’s sister (Sahira, played by Bhavani Sre).

Sudha has won us over, be it the difficulties faced by the third gender or feelings being the same for everyone irrespective of your gender or sexuality, for that matter. Bhavani Sre impresses though it’s just her second film while Shanthanu too displays what he is capable of. Hopefully, all three actors should see more opportunities post the film’s release.

Love Panna Utranum

Love Panna Utranum is Vignesh Shivan’s segment and the one that has a sprinkle of humour while the rest are in general, heavy, staying true to the theme. Vignesh Shivan succeeds in telling what he wanted to say - the truth with a mix of humour. Anirudh’s music bolsters this segment of the anthology. Anjali proves why she is one among the best in the business while Kalki Koechlin also leaves a mark. 

Vignesh Shivan shows what he is capable of as far as black humour is considered. Also, kudos to the filmmaker for not showing the men as bad all the way and bringing in the system and the society that also makes them a victim, albeit in a different kind of way.

Vaanmagal

Gautham Menon’s Vaanmagal is the most promising of the lot, though not without its share of flaws. A loving family deals with the aftermath of their daughter caught in an unfortunate situation. While the message that GVM tries to give is welcome and a much-needed one at that, we can’t help but turn our nose up at not reporting a case of child abuse or taking law onto one’s hand.

Kudos to Simran, GVM and the rest of the cast for bringing a close-knit family alive in front of us and living their roles. GVM also effectively brings out the ‘shame’ the victim has to live with while the culprit walks away.

As far as technicalities are concerned, they are in tune with the anthology’s demands.