Nivin Pauly plays a man who lives without death. Even after living for more than 8,000 years, he continues his journey in search of his lover in every era. During one such journey, he happens to meet Soori. Through their encounter, Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai strongly explores the idea of love as the greatest form of affection and the belief that every living being in the world is essentially one and the same. By presenting these ideas against the backdrop of nature, the film offers audiences a unique cinematic experience.
Nivin Pauly plays the immortal man with long hair and appears largely the same across different periods. Although he initially dubs his lines in his own voice, some of the film’s most important dialogues are voiced in director Ram’s voice. Through his performance, Nivin effectively conveys the experiences of his incredibly long journey and the love he encounters along the way.
Soori plays a character who becomes trapped with Nivin Pauly and struggles to survive. He convincingly portrays an ordinary man who lives for himself and his family. He particularly impresses in scenes where he has to express fear and anxiety.
Anjali, who plays the female lead, appears only in a few scenes, but her presence leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
N.K. Ekambaram’s cinematography beautifully captures the train journey and, through that journey, brings the world that director Ram wants to portray on screen vividly before the audience.
The songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja are pleasant to listen to. Among them, the song Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai” is particularly addictive and makes you want to listen to it repeatedly. The background score enhances both the scenes and the emotions of the characters.
Editor Mathi V.S. has effectively transformed director Ram’s vision and ideas into a visual narrative, allowing the audience to experience the film’s unusual world.
Director Ram has brought the world as he sees it onto the screen through his own visual language. His story and the way he has presented it may feel new, mysterious and difficult to fully understand at times. Yet the central idea he wants to convey is simple: boundless love. The film speaks very strongly about that same idea of unconditional love.
Love is the ultimate source behind everything in this world, but not everyone gets to experience love in their lifetime. That is alright. For those who are willing to travel with nature through a dreamlike world, searching for their beloved across countless lifetimes, crossing the Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is entirely possible.
