Director Premkumar's second outing, Meiyazhagan / Sathyam Sundaram, promises an emotional rollercoaster experience with Karthi in the titular role, alongside Arvind Swami. Set in Thanjavur, the film begins in 1996, where Arulmozhi Varman (Arvind Swami) is forced to leave his ancestral home, severing ties with his relatives, except for his uncle Sudalamuthu (Raj Kiran).
The story jumps to 2018, where Arul returns to his hometown for his cousin Bhuvana's (Swathi Konde) wedding, only to meet a mysterious person who claims to be his maternal cousin. As they bond, Arul struggles to uncover the identity of this kind stranger. Karthi's innocence and Arvind Swami's multifaceted performance make this emotional journey compelling.
While the film's second half deviates into politics and Chola history, which could be trimmed to reduce the 177-minute runtime, the core narrative remains intact. Govind Vasantha's soundtrack perfectly complements the story, while Mahendhiran Jayaraju's captivating visuals and live sync sound immerse viewers in the landscape.
Meiyazhagan's /Sathyam Sundaram poignant exploration of family, love, and self-discovery will resonate with family audiences, making it a must-watch in theaters. With its beautiful storytelling and impressive performances, Premkumar's directorial is a heartwarming addition to Tamil cinema.