#siddharth

What I find so interesting about the film, is the themes that are interplayed throughout its run. Particularly in regard to the overall theme of the corruption of man brought on by power. Yes, this is visible on a larger scale when we consider the mystical powers of the troll and other supernatural entities within the film.

On a smaller scale though, there’s a commentary on power dynamics we can relate to as humans, which in this particular context is based on the class system. When Thevan first approaches Potti and is given access to shelter, he hesitates speaking of how he is lowborn and doesn’t deserve to have something like this offered to him. Potti then replies by saying that caste isn’t something we’re born into, but something that we earn based on our karma. A kind and generous statement, when you look past the eerie presence of the lord. It’s just enough of a statement for Thevan to accept the offer (that and Potti wouldn’t let him leave even at the beginning of it all).

Except, even with his magnanimous statement, what should be noted is how he chooses to treat those around him. Starting with the cook when Potti wants to spit out his paan. It would be easy for him to spit into the bucket if he wanted. But he chooses to embarrass the cook by spitting just enough in his direction that it lands on him too. There already starts to be a dissonance between what he says, versus how he behaves.

This behavior is directed towards Thevan too as the film continues. However, what’s interesting is not his poor treatment later on in the film, but how Potti treats him immediately on his first night there. When Thevan sings, he doesn’t bother to appreciate it or compliment him even when he asks specifically, choosing to snooze off instead. By refusing to acknowledge his talent and time, Potti is breaking him down slowly and strategically, putting him in an inferior position in contrast to himself and stripping him of his humanity. As time goes on, Potti’s treatment of Thevan gradually becomes worse and worse till Thevan gets to a point where he suddenly doesn’t understand how he ended up in a terrible situation with no escape.

This issue of being lower than the people around them is brought up often throughout the film where characters are constantly questioning “who are you command me when you are below me?” Even towards the end, this is the question the Chatan himself brings up to the cook, despite the fact he is a creature who knows that these concepts are constructs of humanity and are overall, nothing more than an illusion. Thus the name Bramayugam.

Exploring these dynamics is what makes this film as amazing as it is for me, because it makes a statement about the ability of power to corrupt even when people are able to acknowledge the systems in place that create the imbalance of power. It doesn’t stop them from abusing power as long as they are able to feel superior in contrast to those around them. Which is not to say that this movie is a commentary on caste dynamics, because I don’t think that’s particularly true. I just think it’s one of the underlying story developments that drives forth the overall theme.