'Bloody Beggar' review: Kavin shines in this dark, witty tale of money and revenge

Debutant director Sivabalan Muthukumar's Bloody Beggar is a wacky black comedy that also offers a strong commentary on the darker side of wealth, similar to the Korean film Parasite, while its style is reminiscent of the American horror-comedy Ready or Not. Though Bloody Beggar is not a rip-off of these two films, it captures their essence.

The film opens with a group of spoiled, affluent children torturing and killing a young boy, their cousin. Cut to the present, where we meet a beggar (Kavin) who pretends to be physically challenged to gain sympathy and money from the public. He lives with a young boy who takes a righteous path by selling books and pens.

Unique characters

One day, the beggar is invited to a royal feast at a nearby palace. Curious about the palace, he decides to check it out, only for his life to be turned upside down when everyone in the family wants to kill him. Little does he know that his past has a strong connection to the family. Debutant Sivabalan's execution is wacky and engaging, with subtle black comedy sprinkled throughout the film. The characters behave peculiarly; they’re mostly funny and occasionally irksome.

Departure from the usual fare

The film is a departure from the usual Tamil cinema fare, which may require audiences to adjust to the world Sivabalan Muthukumar has created. But once they’re in the loop, there are many moments to enjoy, along with a strong emotional core to Kavin's character.

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Kavin once again proves himself to be an extraordinary performer. His body language is entertaining as the sly beggar, and he skillfully shifts his performance once he realizes he is a pawn in a dangerous game. Through his mere narration, he conveys the tragedy of his past. Among the young cast, Kavin is a talent to watch. In the ensemble, Redin Kingsley is impressive as the ghost, while Arshad is a revelaion. Akshaya Hariharan, Anarkali Nazar, and Sunil Sukandha also deliver solid performances.

Jen Martin's songs and background score enhance the film’s charm, amplifying the humor and enhancing emotional scenes. Sujith Sarang's cinematography and Nirmal Kumar's editing complement the black comedy, though a shorter runtime would have been ideal.

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Room for improvement

While director Sivabalan’s unique screenplay and core story make the film stand out, there is room for improvement. The filmmaker takes some time to introduce the main conflict, which may test the patience of the audience, expecting a faster pace. The first half is brisk, but as the focus shifts to the second half and climax, the pacing slows before the finale.

Overall, Bloody Beggar is a well-made, wacky black comedy with standout characters and an excellent performance from Kavin.