Pebbles : The film centers on an enraged and intoxicated husband, Ganpathy (Karuththadaiyaan), embarking on a journey to retrieve his wife from her mother’s home after yet another altercation. Accompanying him is their young son, Velu (Chellapandi). Pebbles essentially chronicles their journey to and from her residence, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape of Aritapatti and its scorching heat.
Movie Ratings
Release Date 4 February 2021 Language Tamil Genre Drama Duration 1h 15min Cast Chellapandi, Karuththadaiyaan, Banu Priya, Philip Arulodss, Raniyamma Director P. S. Vinothraj Writer P. S. Vinothraj Cinematography Vignesh Kumulai, Jeya Parthipan Music Yuvan Shankar Raja Producer Vignesh Shivan, Nayanthara Production Rowdy Pictures Certificate 18+
PS Vinothraj’s Koozhangal (Pebbles) distinguishes itself through its deeply observant nature. Prolonged frames, raw long takes, and minimal music contribute to a narrative that feels incredibly authentic, blurring the line between rehearsed performance and reality. Much like Arun Karthick’s Nasir, showcased at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, Pebbles, which clinched the Tiger Award at the festival, offers a meditative exploration of daily frustrations and simmering anger, contrasting with Nasir‘s subdued eruption of fury in its climax.
Ganpathy’s volatile demeanor sets the tone early on, as he confronts Velu about his allegiance between him and his mother. Throughout the journey, Velu navigates his father’s explosive temper, portrayed through moments of mischief, anger, and danger, all meticulously captured by Vignesh Kumulai and Jeya Parthiban’s camera work. From the bus ride, with its rattling poles and spluttering water pots, to the arduous return journey on foot, every detail is meticulously observed.
An altercation with his wife’s brother pushes Ganpathy to the brink of violence, but Velu’s intervention redirects their path home, culminating in a surprisingly subdued climax. Along the way, Velu encounters various characters, each offering glimpses into different facets of human existence. Despite minimal dialogue and sparse background music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, Pebbles delves deep into the complexities of human relationships with a heartfelt and lingering exploration.
