Kannathil M*thamittal, which released in 2002, is arguably one of Simran's best performances and it didn't go unnoticed, as is evident from the multiple awards that she and the film received. But, while her performance was critically acclaimed, the film's message and child actor Keerthana are often the first to be recalled by the audience when the film is mentioned. But today, in #WatchwithTNM, we delve deeper into how Simran brought to life a mother's internal conflict in a land that is in war with itself.
To say that 2002 was one of Simran's busiest and biggest years in Kollywood would be an understatement. She had no less than eight film releases — all demanding different strengths and performances.
And Kannathil M*thamittal, which released soon after Pammal K Sambandam (a comedy), saw Simran like never before. As the mother of three children, she shed every vestige of glamour, even ignoring her dancing prowess, to dedicate herself completely to the performance.
From the very first shot of Indira in Kannathil M*thamittal, it is clear that Simran or the stereotypical idea of her was not present in the movie. She is seen in an everyday blue salwar with a yellow dupatta tied hastily, combing her daughter's hair and zipping up her son's pants. She is a quintessential working woman — which in this, and most patriarchal households, means that she does all the housework and manages to keep her job as a television anchor.
She is constantly busy, handling the children, her husband (played by Madhavan), her father and the housework. Simran excels in portraying the role of a harried mother and wife, who has always put her family before her. With a comb stuck to her head and hand ready to whack her naughty children, she's a sea apart from the glamorous roles that she was known for.
Within the first few scenes of the film, it is apparent that the children in the household dote on her. Though she may be the bad cop when it comes to parenting, they recognise that she is their anchor.
And so convincing is her performance that when her husband Thiruchelvan (Madhavan) reveals to Amudha (Keerthana) that she is adopted in a rather brusque way, you ache for Indira's soothing presence. You know it was a mistake that she is not the one breaking the news.
It is very rare in Tamil cinema for the audience to wish that the female actor was there to save the day or rescue the other characters from making a grave mistake. But, in Kannathil M*thamittal, director and screenplay writer Mani Ratnam's beautiful characterisation of Indira and the soul Simran gave to the role, keep you wanting her in every fr*me.
