Dharmadurai

Seenu Ramasamy's 2016 Tamil film follows Dharmadurai, a doctor in his village who turns to drink after being cast out by his family. He appears to choose his own collapse; the story opens the family history behind it slowly. Its strength is building the family hierarchy of rural Tamil Nadu and the position of women within it in detail; there are four women characters and none of them merely serves the protagonist's story. Vijay Sethupathi's performance does not appeal for pity. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is strong. It runs long and the middle section moves heavily. Who it's for: viewers who like Tamil rural drama and character-driven stories. Who it's not for: anyone wanting pace, or avoiding the subject of alcohol dependence.