'Sembi' Movie Review: This tried-and-true tale is saved by involved performances.

Sembi Review – Watchable Emotional Movie

Sembi is an emotional movie starring Kovai Sarala in the female front, Ashwin Kumar plays an important role. The film is directed by Prabhu Solomon.

We all know what to expect from Prabu Solomon's films, and he is a filmmaker who has established a solid identity. Sembi, his most recent film, features picturesque hilltop locations, a fugitive couple, a bus full of people from different lives, and the most consistent person on the list: Ramaiah Thambi Probably the only Prabu Solomon regular who misses the bus is composer D Imman. It is a double-edged sword to stick to these constants in every project; either they produce big results or they end up being pointless rehashes.

Sembi's output is a hybrid of the two. Veerayi of Kovai Sarala is a tireless giver who has dedicated her life to her 10-year-old granddaughter Sembi (a brilliant Nila). They carry the souls of Suruli and Mynaa, who are the main characters in Prabu's breakout movie Mynaa. Although the relationship angles are obviously completely different in this instance, it is difficult to ignore the similarities.

We continue to support the protagonists of Sembi, however, because their noble qualities never waver, even in the face of crushing injustice. On the other hand, whenever the film adopts the tone of a talk show, we begin to lose interest. I understand that the director wants to show how society is corrupt and based on the herd, with the victims being blamed for what happens.

This is brought out through the conversations that happen on the bus that Veerayi boards. But it all gets a bit too redundant soon. Considering Prabu Solomon is mounting the film as an entertainer, these conversations only come as roadblocks. For instance, there is a shocking mention of a rape survivor’s grave injuries and her inability to give birth.

Thambi Ramaiah kicks a person in the groin "comically" before promising to end his fertility before we can fully comprehend this scene's weight. It is not in good taste to include these two scenes in the same movie, especially in such short order, and it muddles the very message that the mes sage di rector professes. The film does manage to discuss the POCSO act despite this tone confusion.

Although Sembi is probably the nth film this year to feature a rape survivor as one of its characters, it stands out by focusing enough on the system and laws. Nila gives a stunning performance as the title character. She does an excellent job of conveying both innocence and pain, and I am confident that her debut will win numerous awards. Kovai Sarala goes to great lengths to land her first serious role.

We are reminded of her power as a performer in the scene in the hospital where she breaks down from helplessness. In addition, I enjoyed Ashwin Kumar's performance as the nameless savior and his inherent charm in the role. In place of Prabu's regular composer Imman, Nivas Prasanna provides a remarkable background score that almost makes up for the forgettable songs.

Though I found certain re-recording portions to be extremely over the top and suggestive, Nivas manages to elevate the crucial emotional scenes. A major portion of Sembi happens inside a bus named Anbu (Love) and after a particular point, the bus takes a detour and roams around directionlessly. The film, which professes love, also falls into the same trap and loses our attention. How I wish films that are filled with noble intentions had unwavering focus.

Director: Prabu Solomon

Cast: Kovai Sarala, Nila, Ashwin Kumar, Thambi Ramaiah