Meiyazhagan

"Meiyazhagan" is a 2024 Tamil drama film directed and written by C. Prem Kumar, produced by Jyothika and Suriya under 2D Entertainment. The film stars Karthi and Arvind Swamy, and it is an emotional story of family, nostalgia, and lost relationships.

Set in 1996, "Arulmozhi Varman, or Arul", leaves his native place Thanjavur after his family home is divided among relatives. Accompanied by his father Arivudai Nambi, mother Valliyammal, and elder brother, he moves to Madras, weighed down by memories. Twenty-two years go by, and Arul receives an invitation from his cousin "Bhuvaneshwari" (Bhuvana) for her wedding. Though not keen, he decides to attend the reception in Needamangalam, planning to leave soon after.

On his journey, Arul makes a halt at his native place, causing a gush of nostalgia. While going to the wedding, he also meets “Jagadeesan” (Jaggu), a bus conductor and a former student of his father's. At the wedding hall, Arul also meets relatives such as Sokku Mama, who is melancholic about the fact that his parents are not present. Arul also encounters an unknown but friendly relative who keeps calling him "Athaan" (brother-in-law). Confused at his appearance, Arul finds himself drawn to the warmth of the man.

Over the course of the night, Arul spends the evening at the relative's home, introducing him to his pregnant wife Nandhini. He is surprised to see his old bike well-kept and in great stature among the family. The relative likes his Jallikattu bull, Dhoni, and calls him his son over drinks. Their bond becomes stronger when the relative appreciates and even provides money to help with Arul's dream to have a house. However, Arul still cannot recognize his name.

Meiyazhagan's final minutes are poignant. When Arul rebuilds his past, he finally recollects the true name of his cousin: "Meiyazhagan", one of his childhood friends whom he had lost contact with by accident. The movie interweaves gorgeously themes of nostalgia, filial love, and emotional concordance. With the heartfelt performances of Karthi and Arvind Swamy, C. Prem Kumar spins a warm and heart-wrenchingly poignant story that lingers on long after the credits roll.