POR – REVIEW
Cast: Arjundas, Kalidas Jayaram, T.J.Banu, Sanchana Natarajan, Amrutha Srinivasan, Mervyn Rozario
Director: Bejoy Nambiar
In Por, director Bejoy Nambiar delivers a testosterone-drenched look at campus life in a Pondicherry college, unfolding like a modern-day Lord of the Flies with a hefty dose of political intrigue. The film centers on the feud between Prabhu (Arjun Das), a jaded senior, and Yuva (Kalidas Jayaram), a brash freshman, whose personal histories and opposing personalities set the stage for an explosive conflict.
Nambiar weaves a tangled web of subplots that encompass everything from student elections to drug-infused parties. Surya, the daughter of a powerful minister, brings a volatile mix of entitlement and danger, clashing with Gayathri (T.J. Banu), an activist with a strong moral compass. These female characters, while compelling, feel somewhat sidelined in a narrative that primarily fixates on male posturing.
The film’s central conflict erupts when time-honored college traditions are upended, sparking an all-out war fueled by youthful ambition and fragile egos. These moments, where grudges and petty disputes escalate to extreme violence, push the boundaries of believability. College life can be fraught with tension, but Por often veers into a hyperbolic representation, stretching credibility within its portrayal of consequences and authority.
Despite these narrative excesses, Por offers some compelling character work. Prabhu, consumed by unspoken love for the morally upright Gayathri, struggles to reconcile his inner turmoil with the rampant chaos. Arjun Das’s performance lends a guttural authenticity to this role. Kalidas Jayaram, as Yuva, exudes a reckless charisma tempered by his relationship with the more grounded Rishika (Sanchana Natarajan). These pockets of emotional vulnerability provide welcome contrast amidst the film’s many battles.
Por has undeniable ambition, but it stumbles under the weight of its sprawling narrative. Excessive subplots and characters dilute the focus, leaving the audience adrift in a cacophony of side stories. The film’s lengthy runtime also stretches its thematic coherence.
For those seeking an unfiltered exploration of youth, power, and college life, Por is a worthwhile outing. It explores ambition, identity, and the chaos of clashing personalities.