The much-anticipated Tamil drama thriller, Chithha, directed by S. U. Arun Kumar and produced by Siddharth, has left audiences moved and intrigued with its gripping storyline and powerful performances. Released theatrically on 28 September 2023, this film has garnered widespread critical acclaim while also positioning itself as a commercial success. It is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
The plot unfolds as Eesu (Siddharth), a government employee in the sanitation department, navigates the complexities of life. He tries to balance his responsibilities towards his sister-in-law and eight-year-old niece, Sundari (Sahasra Sree).
What is the plot of Chithha?
The film beautifully captures the warmth in the relationship between Eesu and Sundari, offering viewers moments of feel-goodness. The cinematography by Balaji Subramanyam adds to the overall emotional resonance, filling frames with a sense of warmth.
A seemingly innocent plan by Ponni, the niece of Eeswaran’s close friend Vadivelu, and Sundari to explore a forest area after school hours takes a dark turn. Sundari gets scared and abandons Ponni. The next day, Ponni’s father accuses Eeswaran of assault. However, Vadivelu, an undercover cop, investigates and discovers Eeswaran’s innocence, leading to a heartfelt apology. This incident sets the stage for the subsequent events that shape the climax of Chithha.
The narrative shifts gears when Sundari becomes the victim of a notorious pedophile. This leads Eeswaran on a relentless crusade to save his beloved niece.
The film delves into the disturbing reality of child abuse. It does so by carefully portraying the trauma Sundari endures at the hands of her kidnapper. Eeswaran’s determination and resilience become the driving force as he confronts the kidnapper and ultimately rescues Sundari. The scenes depicting Sundari’s abuse are handled with sensitivity, creating a powerful impact on the audience.
As the plot thickens, Eeswaran discovers that the police have apprehended the kidnapper. However, in a shocking twist – the culprit is also revealed to be Ponni’s abuser. Fueled by a mix of rage and justice, Eeswaran takes matters into his own hands. He goes on to confront the abuser and delivers a fatal blow. The act is a visceral manifestation of Eeswaran’s commitment to protect those he cares about, transcending the boundaries of conventional justice.
How did Shakti help Eeswaran?
Amidst the intense storyline, Eeswaran’s girlfriend Shakti opens up about her own tragic past, sharing her experience of assault. This revelation adds another layer to the narrative, emphasizing the pervasive nature of abuse and the importance of empathy and understanding.
In a poignant moment, Shakti implores Eeswaran to let go of his desire for vengeance, urging him to focus on healing and caring for Sundari. Eeswaran, recognizing the wisdom in her words, agrees to relinquish his pursuit of retribution and dedicates himself to Sundari’s well-being.
The climax concludes with a time jump, offering a glimpse into Eeswaran and Sundari’s lives a year later. The police discover a burnt corpse, strongly implying that Eeswaran, driven by his knowledge of the pedophile’s identity, took matters into his own hands once again.
Chithha stands out not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its exploration of complex themes, such as justice, redemption, and the aftermath of trauma. The film skillfully weaves together suspenseful sequences with moments of introspection, leaving audiences with a sense of emotional resonance that lingers long after the credits roll. As viewers grapple with the intricacies of the ending, Chithha emerges as a powerful cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
