A marvel of cinematic storytelling, 'Super Deluxe' is a 2019 Tamil-language film directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja that intricately weaves together multiple storylines set in suburban Chennai. Praised for its audacious narrative and social commentary, the film takes a deep dive into the complexities of human nature and societal norms.

Super Deluxe: A Cinematic Puzzle Box Worth Unraveling

Think of a film like an intricate puzzle where every piece fits into a broader, almost breathtaking narrative—‘Super Deluxe’, the 2019 Tamil-language film from India, is precisely that. Directed by the visionary Thiagarajan Kumararaja, also known for his work on ‘Aaranya Kaandam’, this film intertwines multiple storylines set in suburban Chennai and explores themes from infidelity to existential dread. Released on March 29, 2019, 'Super Deluxe' garnered critical acclaim for its audacious storytelling, complex characters, and commentary on societal norms.

The Jigsaw of Characters and Plot

Let's journey through the film’s plot structure, which is like navigating a cosmic dance floor where chaos meets order. ‘Super Deluxe’ unfolds through four entangled narratives.

The Former Porn Star: In a particularly gripping storyline, we meet Arputham, a reformed porn star, whose life takes a surreal turn post his miraculous survival from a tsunami. Having found spirituality, he grapples with the chaos introduced by his television, deemed a center of mysticism against all odds.
The Transgender Returnee: One of the narrative's highly influential characters is Shilpa (played by Vijay Sethupathi), a transgender woman returning to her family after years. Her return to a conservative family environment escalates into a profound examination of identity, acceptance, and societal judgments.
The Married Couple's Quandary: Vaembu (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) and Mugil (Fahadh Faasil) deal with a catastrophically comic yet intense situation following a shocking revelation in their relationship. The couple's midnight disaster tests the very fabric of their bond.
The Teen Rebels: A subplot featuring three young boys daringly avoiding what they think is an inevitable apocalypse highlights the interplay of innocence and the harsh realities of adult life.

Each story maneuvers through unexpected twists, traversing emotional landscapes that challenge the viewer to think deeply about truth, morality, and freedom.

The Artistry Behind the Lens

‘Super Deluxe’ stands out for its impeccable craftsmanship, not just in storytelling but in its technical and creative finesse:

Cinematography: Shot by P.S. Vinod and Nirav Shah, the film's visual language takes us on an atmospheric tour of Chennai’s vibrant and shadowy corners. Each frame is artistically composed to reflect the mood swings of the narrative—chaotic, peaceful, surreal, and everything in between.
Sound and Music: The music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and the immersive sound design play an understated yet powerful role. They work synchronously with the images to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from anxiety to revelation.
Editing: Sathyaraj Natarajan’s editing ties the multiple plots together seamlessly, making the film’s 176-minute runtime an exhilarating ride through human experience.

A Thematic Symphony

At its core, ‘Super Deluxe’ is a thoughtful commentary on modern existentialism, disguised in layers of peculiarity. It confronts moral compromises, unravels the notion of customary morality, and questions the societal lenses through which we often view the non-conformists in our world. It peels back the layers of human dysfunction, while optimistically framing each surreal moment with humor and relatability.

By embracing subjects like gender fluidity, religious skepticism, and extramarital affairs, Thiagarajan Kumararaja crafts a mirrored reality where the audience is invited to reflect on personal biases and broader societal issues.

Characters: Complex and Captivating

Turn our eyes to the characters, and the film is nothing short of a marvel.

Shilpa’s Confident Resilience: Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of Shilpa is an empowering testimony to love and self-acceptance. Viewers witness her journey as she stands resilient against societal pressure, with a calm yet profound conviction.
Vaembu and Mugil’s Tumultuous Love: Samantha Prabhu and Fahadh Faasil breathe life into their roles, capturing the essence of a love complicated by unforeseen challenges. Their dynamic chemistry delivers both comedic and poignant reflections on the dimensions of marital life.

A Story with Staying Power

The brilliance of ‘Super Deluxe’ lies not only in its bold narrative choices but in its memorable impact on Indian cinema. It triumphs as a work that thinks outside conventional Bollywood and Kollywood formulas, jumping instead into a pool of inventive storytelling that’s rare and refreshingly humane.

What we treasure here is the film’s invitation to a reflective introspection; it asks viewers to reassess what they hold as truths, paving the way for dialogue around diversity, faith, and the beauty of human experience free from judgment.