Netflix’s new Tamil release Perusu is far from typical. With a fearless plot that combines funeral ceremonies and humor, the film navigates forbidden humor amidst a family environment. Directed by Ilango Ram and starring real-life brothers Vaibhav and Sunil Reddy, the film rides the tightrope between dark comedy and social satire.
Let’s immerse ourselves in what makes Perusu a one-of-a-kind, though somewhat uneven, cinematic experience.
A Quirky Death Starts the Mayhem
The film starts with the untimely death of Halasyam, a highly respected elderly man in a small town. Though his death looks natural, his elder son Sami (Sunil Reddy) immediately realizes something is fishy about it. As other members of his family—his mother, brother, and their wives—realize the astonishing truth behind the death of Halasyam, panic strikes.
Rather than grief, the family becomes embroiled in damage control. What was it? Why are they so eager to conceal it? These questions provide the enigmatic backbone of the tale. The absurd secret turns a solemn family drama into a farce of mistakes.
Performances That Keep You Invested
The highlight of Perusu is the chemistry between Vaibhav and Sunil Reddy. They share a natural sibling relationship, which translates well on the screen. Vaibhav effortlessly plays the laid-back younger son and gives some of the film’s finest comedy. Sunil, as the self-conscious elder brother, gives a convincing counterpart with his strained, sometimes exaggerated reactions.
The supporting actors add to the liveliness on the screen as well. Chandini Tamilarasan and Niharika NM are the wives of the two brothers, and their reactions of disbelief, embarrassment, and later support are entertaining to observe. Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, and Redin Kingsley get to appear in limited capacities, but their timing in the comedy is perfect.
Situational Humor That Works—Mostly
Director Ilango Ram adopts a zany tone that is well-suited to the film’s offbeat premise. The humor is awkward and situational, but it’s effective—particularly when family members attempt to present a “normal” facade as mayhem smolders in the wings. Glimpses of nosy neighbors, gossiping relatives, and funeral traditions are depicted with understated satire.
The script effectively employs funeral ceremonies to initiate awkward but humorous moments. The director reveals how societies tend to prioritize appearance over reality, particularly at social events. This social commentary aspect provides depth to the humor.
The humor slightly dips in the second half, though. The script becomes slow, and jokes start to repeat themselves. Some scenes drag longer than they need to, disrupting the pace of the film.
A Climax That Saves the Day
Just when the movie starts to flag, a surprise figure appears and restores the laughs. This unexpected and funny twist revives the energy of the movie. The conclusion wraps up the strange plot nicely and provides an emotional but comedic ending.
This climax rescues the movie from its mid-section lag and leaves audiences with a satisfying conclusion.
Technical Details: Sound, Camera, and Style
The technicalities of the film complement its humor nicely. The background score is such that it uses traditional Tamil instruments and there are some funny notes which suit the ridiculous scenes. The shooting of the film reflects the cluttered, messy home in a lovely way. Reactions are framed with shots—a comedy necessity.
The editing is good but could have been more condensed, particularly in the second half. Cutting a couple of sluggish scenes would have helped in sustaining a good rhythm.
The Boldness of Perusu
What distinguishes Perusu from the other Tamil comedies is its boldness to delve into taboo humor. Few movies have the guts to put comedy in the setting of death and burial, but Perusu does so with quite an unexpected sensitivity and humor. Although the storyline is weak, and the narrative falters every now and then, its atypical tone is a relief for those fed up with formulaic narratives.
The movie doesn’t attempt to please everyone—and that’s its beauty. Dark comedy and offbeat storytelling fans will enjoy it. For audiences who anticipate mainstream family values and sappy drama, this may be a little too out of the box.
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Final Verdict
Perusu is a quirky comedy with plenty of heart and a big dose of laughs. It takes an unconventional premise and gives it a brash, unconventional tone that won’t appeal to everyone, but it pays off for viewers who enjoy offbeat storytelling. Vaibhav and Sunil Reddy’s solid performances, along with the side-splitting supporting cast, keep the movie above its dawdling parts.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.75/5)
Verdict: If you’re in the mood for something different and enjoy dark, situational humor, Perusu is worth your time. It’s a fun Netflix watch for audiences looking for laughs outside the norm.
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