As the credits began rolling, the thoughts began pouring in. Thoughts that questioned my position within society, as an active member, and more importantly, as a woman. The sole hard-hitting question that haunts me still is: how is the issue unravelled in this film that is set 20 years back still as relevant as ever?
Set in Sri Tebong in 2005, the film commences as a regular small-town murder mystery film featuring Irfan Zaini as Rahim, a crime branch cop, alongside Logavarman as Eeswaran, a police officer investigating a case. Both characters shared effortless chemistry, enhancing the feel of watching a ‘buddy-cop’ film. Each time the duo crack a new lead in the investigation, the mood of the film shifts, getting progressively real and raw by exposing new characters, new intentions and new issues within our society.
Irumbu Thottam, written and directed by Jaydev Jayakumar, stands as an important film on account of the fact that it sheds light on several social issues such as the importance of sex education, society’s perception towards mental illness, gender discrimination and prejudice. Although the story is set in 2005, the portrayal of these issues remains as relevant as ever to contemporary society.
The characters portrayed by the stellar cast consisting of debutant Marie Dashani Matthews, Datuk Geethanjali G, Mohana Raj, Dhurgaashini S Vijyan and the renowned Malaysian rapper Balan Kash were consistently dependable, though none were show-stopping.
The film being set in 2005 came with its own charm. It may not sound that distant until you realise it was 20 years ago. Watching the police piecing clues together using flip phones, Bluetooth transfers and SIM card registrations is both amusing and nostalgic.
Circling back to the buddy-cop trope, Rahim and Eeswaran’s budding partnership was entertaining enough that it’s easy to imagine audiences happily following them on another investigation. The potential of a franchise following the duo wouldn’t be that bad of an idea.
Showing in Malaysian cinemas from August 6, Irumbuth Thottam is still an engrossing watch, with its sturdy storytelling, compelling mystery and boldness in tackling taboo subjects.
