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Baththa brings together an unlikely pair of a feared gangster and an eight-year-old boy who refuses to be intimidated by him. Set in 1980s Chennai, the film is about a gangster, Baththa (Vijay Sethupathi), who gets accidentally locked in a deserted school toilet by an eight-year-old Sabari (Sai Prithviraj). Left to face hunger, desperation, and a near-death experience, Baththa undergoes a life-changing transformation. He forms a unique bond with Sabari, and a beautiful friendship blossoms between them.
Blending thriller, drama, and comedy, the film builds its story around an unusual friendship that challenges the idea of strength and power. From Vijay Sethupathi’s performance to Sai Prithviraj’s endearing act, here are five reasons to watch Baththa.
5 Reasons To Watch Baththa
1. A Unique Story Of An Unlikely Friendship Between A Gangster And An 8-Year-Old
Baththa’s plot is unique in the sense that it puts two unlikely characters, years apart in age, against each other. It’s a duel of wit and courage between a dreaded gangster and an eight-year-old. The story effortlessly swings between drama and comedy. Then there’s the subplot of suspense thrown in, which adds to the thriller element. The drama and comedy are naturally integrated into the script and don’t run like parallel subplots, a template of most commercial Tamil movies. The treatment is refreshing, and the setting is nostalgic for an era gone by.
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2. Vijay Sethupathi Shines As A Menacing Gangster With A Softer Side
Vijay Sethupathi is wonderful as the fearsome gangster turned gentle soul, Baththa. He emotes with his eyes, and the range of emotions they can convey is unmatched. With a flick of an eyelid and a shift of his glance, Sethupathi manages to convey completely contrasting emotions and moods. His transformation from a terrifying brute to a gentle soul is gradual and cathartic. He has handled violence and comedy with equal ease and comfort. He has essayed the role with a lot of style and swagger- the signature flick of the hair with his finger!
3. Sai Prithviraj Steals The Show As The Eight-Year-Old Sabari
It’s clearly Sai Prithviraj’s show, and he steals the spotlight. As the timid eight-year-old Sabari, his performance tugs at our hearts and is easily one of the best performances by a child. He is natural and stands out, especially when he emotes fear and sorrow. Our hearts go out for him in such scenes. And his comic timing is spot on. Sai is at ease, and not once does his acting look over-the-top or contrived. He has literally lived the role of Sabari- the endearing, witty, and soft-natured lad. His big gleaming eyes and the boyish innocence will leave you spellbound.
4. Director Balaji Tharaneetharan Gives The Gangster Genre A Heartwarming Twist
Balaji Tharaneetharan has tossed the regular formula of an action-packed gangster drama for a dramedy. His comedy is more situational and ingrained in the script. His handling of the character arc is consistent. He has shown maturity and sensitivity when directing strong emotions like sorrow, anger, and fear. Full marks to Balaji for eliciting a layered, nuanced performance from an 8-year-old Sai Prithviraj. His handling of the child and his acting skills are top-class. This is Balaji and Sethupathi’s third outing, and their collaboration works magic on screen. He has given equal attention to the secondary cast and managed to elicit genuine, spirited performances from them. His eye for detailing of 80s Chennai, the costumes, and art, is accurate and visually striking. He has complete control over the narrative and keeps the screenplay tight and engaging.
5. An Off-Key Yet Soulful Ending
Special mention for the ending, an unlikely resolution to a story filled with so many highs and lows. The unexpected twist at the end is both evocative and deeply moving. Baththa’s deep and unfulfilled desire to sing and perform finally gets a stage and an audience; his past attempts were ridiculed, forcing him to give up singing. Sabari recognizes Baththa’s desire to sing and gives him confidence to sing again. Baththa finally musters the courage to sing at his daughter’s ceremony. Although a bit reluctant and out of tune, Baththa wins over the crowd with his sincere and heartfelt rendition. At the end, Baththa lifts Sabari as if acknowledging his encouragement.
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