BRYI – REVIEW
Cast: Syed Majeed, John Glady, Viji Sekar, Ramesh Arumugam, Vinu Lawrence
Director: John Glady
In the realm of Tamil cinema, where newcomers and small-budgeted films seek to carve its niche, Byri emerges as a fresh exploration of an unconventional theme – pigeon racing. Debutant director John Glady brings to the screen a narrative infused with raw emotions, communal bonds, and the undying spirit of competition that pigeon racing epitomizes in the Nagercoil region of Tamil Nadu.
Byri tells the story of Rajalingam, played with great intensity by newcomer Syed Majeed, a young man whose love for pigeon racing overshadows the conventional path laid out for him. Despite his mother Saraswathi’s (Viji Sekar) vehement protests and societal expectations to pursue an engineering degree, Lingam’s soul is tethered to the skies where his pigeons soar. His journey is not solitary; alongside him is his impulsive and energetic friend Amal (played by director John Glady), whose presence fuels Lingam’s ambitions and mirrors the raw, untamed quality of youth.
The film captures the essence of pigeon racing, not merely as a sport but as a cultural phenomenon that breeds deep-rooted loyalties and rivalries. It’s a narrative set against the backdrop of a community where this sport transcends competition, morphing into a symbol of pride, honor, and an avenue for conflict. The antagonist, Suyambu (Vinu Lawrence), represents the darker, more violent facets of this passion, setting the stage for a confrontation that tests Lingam’s resolve.
Despite the film’s engaging premise, certain shortcomings mar Byri. The film’s pacing stutters in the first half, strolling through scenes that add little to plot progression. However, as the narrative inches closer to the climax, the pace quickens, steering the film toward an interesting finale. The emotional depth in the latter half resonates well, but the stream of sob-stories will wear you out. The sporadic fits of anger make you ponder whether these youngsters could have considered taking some deep breaths before making their choices.
In Byri, Syed Majeed delivers an energetic performance, embodying raw enthusiasm and complexities. John Glady as his best buddy is spontaneous and fun. Ramesh Arumugam, as the mediator Ramesh Pannaiyar, captures the essence of a community leader striving for peace amidst conflict.
Technically, nothing stands out, although nothing falters either. While the pigeon CGI may not always hit the mark, the emotional buildup leading to these moments is gripping.
Byri is a commendable attempt by a young team to spotlight a niche yet significant aspect of Tamil culture. While the film excels in showcasing the intricacies of pigeon racing and the communal ties it strengthens, it falls short in aspects of pacing, technical finesse, and sometimes narrative cohesion. Nonetheless, this intriguing experiment connects you with the individuals involved in this activity. It’s worth a watch.