I hadn’t heard of Lover until today evening. I have a habit of reading The Hindu’s movie review section every Friday. Today, it featured an article called “Breakout talents of Tamil cinema in 2024.” I was intrigued. I hadn’t heard of any of the actors’ names, except one, but I had watched many of the movies. Sri Gouri Priya’s performance in Lover was one of the mentions in the list. When I looked up the synopsis, it sounded worth a watch. When I read the reviews, it felt like it definitely needed to be watched.
Anyway, that’s how I ended up watching this, tense, claustrophobic movie. The story is simple. Arun and Divya have been in a relationship for 6 years. But Arun’s errant behaviour, his lack of a job, angry outbursts, his possessive, suspicious nature now weigh it down. Divya feels scared of his reactions and she lies about who she meets or where she goes. Finally, she says she can’t go on and decide they need to break-up. But Arun can’t give up just yet.
Director Prabhuram Vyas is so observant and honest in his portrayal of a toxic relationship that it makes you flinch. There were moments when I felt myself holding my breath. Arun’s presence induces dread in Divya and you can feel it off-screen as well. I found myself questioning what makes Divya return to Arun, each time. As if the director heard me, Divya’s friend asks her why she hangs on, at one point. Her answer is simple – it’s a relationship of 6 years, and she had even thought she would marry him one day. It’s not that easy to let go.
Gouri Priya (Divya) and Manikandan (Arun) are exemplary in their portrayal of tortured lovers who have to accept and endure the reality and pain of a breakup. I last saw Manikandan in Good Night, which I enjoyed and appreciated for its treatment of a common-yet-not-talked-about issue.
If you have been in a relationship like this or been privy to one in your inner circles, this will blow you away.
