Harish Kalyan Attakathi Dinesh, Suvasvika Sanjana Krishnamurthy Kali Venkat Pala Saravanan Geetha Kailasam Devadarshini Jensen Diwakar DSK and others in the lead role Rubber Ball directed by Tamirasan Pachamuthu with music by San Roldan.
Dinesh, who is known for playing cricket, prioritizes cricket over his wife, children and work. So, he would leave to play in any town where cricket was played. Young Harish Kalyan, despite being a brilliant cricketer, is rejected by his hometown cricket team due to caste discrimination. Thus, he quenches his thirst for cricket by playing as a guest player in the teams that offer him the opportunity.
The ego clash between these two, which starts with cricket, causes problems in their lives as well. `Rubber Ball '' tells the story of how the ego conflict and the discrimination in people's minds are dissolved through the same game of cricket, which does not stop playing cricket no matter what the problem may be, without hurting anyone's feelings and accepting the logic of the story. In 'Atta Kaththi' Dinesh has tried to impress people by playing a mature character that does not suit his age. While her natural acting makes her venture a success, does she need it when she's standing alongside Harish Kalyan? The question arises in the audience's mind. However, he hides his age and makes his character enjoyable through his acting, which shows his longing for his wife's separation and the ego that comes with the game of cricket in many ways.
Though Harish Kalyan's character may not have a grand heroic arc, he skillfully portrays the role, leaving a lasting impression as the protagonist in the minds of the audience. Without delivering revolutionary dialogues, his character exudes love, which breaks down societal barriers. Harish Kalyan perfectly fits the role and does complete justice to it with his nuanced performance.
Swasika, famed for her role in 'Goripalayam,' plays Dinesh's wife, and in many scenes, she outshines the actors around her with her performance. She conveys her anger through her intense gaze and dominates scenes with her precise dialogue delivery and body language, making her a commanding presence. Sanjana Krishnamurthi, who plays Harish Kalyan’s love interest and Dinesh’s daughter, smartly navigates the ego clash between her father and her lover while also proving, scene by scene, that she’s not a weak character, especially in her interactions with her mother, displaying strength and assertiveness. Kaali Venkat, who portrays a cricket enthusiast, brings depth to the character of Karuppaiah with his usual natural acting style, adding strength to the role. Bala Saravanan, who appears throughout the film as Harish Kalyan’s friend, not only brings humor with his witty dialogues but also encourages the audience to think. He earns applause, especially for detailing how caste-based discrimination manifests in various forms, continuously proving his presence with impactful scenes throughout the film.
Editor Madan G and art director Veeramani Ganesh have contributed significantly to the film by portraying life in a very natural and authentic way, beyond just the cinematic experience. Their work enhances the storytelling, making it feel real and relatable.
Director Tamilarasan Pachamuthu, by focusing on cricket and the passion it inspires among the youth, has cleverly addressed the deep-rooted issues of ego and societal discrimination, delivering it as a lighthearted celebration.
Overall, this "Lappar Ball" hits a sixer!
