Jiivi

Jiivi
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	V. J. Gopinath
Written by	Babu Tamizh
Screenplay by	Babu Tamizh V. J. Gopinath
Story by	Babu Tamizh
Produced by	M. Vellapandian Sudalaikan Vellapandian Subramanian Vellapandian
Starring	Vetri Monica Chinnakotla Karunakaran Rohini Mime Gopi Ashwini Chandrashekar
Cinematography	Praveen Kumar
Edited by	Praveen K. L.
Music by	K. S. Sundaramurthy
Production companies	Vetrivel Saravana Cinemas Big Print Production
Release date	28 June 2019 (2019-06-28)
Running time	114 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Jiivi (transl. Intelligent) is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language thriller film directed by V. J. Gopinath and written by Babu Tamizh. Jointly produced by M. Vellapandian, Sudalaikan Vellapandian and Subramanian Vellapandian. The film stars Vetri in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast including Karunakaran, Monica Chinnakotla, Rohini, Ashwini Chandrashekar and Mime Gopi. The soundtrack album and background score was composed by K. S. Sundaramurthy, while art work, production controlling, executive production, line production were handled by Vairabalan, S. Nagarajan, Vivin S. R. and I. B. Karthikeyan, respectively.^[1] The film released on 28 June 2019 and was a successful venture.^[2][3]

Plot[]

Saravanan (Vetri) comes to Chennai from a small village in Madurai and works in a juice and tea stall where Mani (Karunakaran) is the "tea master". Though not formally educated, he is quite well-read. Saravanan's lover Anandhi (Monica Chinnakotla) jilts him citing his meagre existence, which pushes him into a depression. He decides to rob his landlady, Sivagami (Rohini) though she treats him as a brother. He then uses the knowledge that he has picked up over the years to plan and execute the crime, and proceeds to frame a neighbour he does not like.

After robbing his landlady's jewels, the incidents which happened in Sivagami's life starts to happen in Saravanan's life. He realizes that and do not want his sister to face the difficulties in life like Sivagami did. So, he starts thinking about how to stop this phenomenon and make things right. Meanwhile Kathir, Sivagami's hot headed brother starts suspecting Saravanan.

The astounding similarities in his and Kathir's life and thought processes propels Saravanan to investigate the latter's past. He comes to the conclusion that Kathir had also committed a theft in his young age, stealing from Saravanan's ancestors. He seeks to stop fate's triangle from affecting his family. How the events lead to his escape from this never-ending circle forms the conclusion of this story.

Cast[]

Soundtrack[]

KS Sundaramurthy composed the songs and background score for the film. Yuvan Shankar Raja bought the audio rights of Jiivi under his banner, U1 Records.^[4] The Times of India gave a positive review for the album stating: "A job well done by Sundaramurthy!".^[5][6][7][8]

Release[]

The film released on 28 June 2019, to mostly positive reviews.

Critical reception[]

The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stating that "Technically, too, the film is as slick as its writing, turning it into one of the memorable thrillers of the year", The reviewer also added "Jiivi is definitely one of the interesting lead characters we have seen in Tamil cinema in the last few years".^[9] The Hindu wrote "A surprisingly well-made thriller, whose individual parts are more terrific than its whole".^[10] Behindwoods rated 3/5 stating "Neat writing and engaging screenplay makes 'Jiivi' a good thriller. Try not to miss."^[11] Sify.com noted "Overall, Jiivi  joins the team of  interesting mystery thrillers released this year".^[12] Indiaglitz gave 3/5 and wrote "But what greets in the theatres is an intelligent little film that culminates to a largely satisfying climax".^[13] Dinamalar rated 3.5/5.^[14]Film Companion stated "It’s a marvellous idea, but this is a film you admire more for what it wants to be than what it is. The fabulous conceit needed equally fabulous filmmaking".^[15]Cinema Express rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "A competent thriller aided by its strong and flawless writing".^[16]

References[]