Thambi

Jeethu Joseph's 2019 Tamil film follows a family who believe the brother who ran away years ago has returned. His elder sister recognises and accepts him; whether the man who has come is really that person is the question at the centre. The film's strength is giving its clues early and drawing tension from a lie the viewer already knows. Jyothika's sister holds the balance between love for a brother and suspicion. Jeethu Joseph's structural precision works here too. Its weakness is explanations running long in the final section and the action sequences feeling attached to the story. Who it's for: viewers who like Tamil thrillers and family-centred detective stories. Who it's not for: anyone wanting a measured ending, or avoiding violent content.