Piranthanaal Vazhthukal

Storyline

Piranthanaal Vazhthukal (2025) tells the story of Anpu, an alcoholic whose life spirals out of control until his family and friends decide to give him a shocking lesson—they take him to a graveyard and perform his funeral rites while he is alive. Watching his own death rituals unfold, Anpu confronts the wasted years of addiction, the pain he has caused his loved ones, and the fragility of existence. This surreal and emotional journey transforms him, turning despair into hope as he realizes that life, like a birthday, is a gift to be cherished.

Tags

Tagline

Life’s Last Rites, Before Death Strikes.

Trivia

• Piranthanaal Vazhthukal marks Appukutty’s return in a performance-driven rural drama after a long gap, showcasing his naturalistic acting in a character-driven role. The director Raju Chandra not only directed but also wrote and handled cinematography, making this a deeply personal project. The movie was filmed in lush village backdrops of Pollachi near Aliyar Dam and the misty hills of Wagamon, giving the film a unique blend of Tamil Nadu and Kerala aesthetics.

Goofs

• In some sequences, the continuity of Anpu’s clothing changes between shots during the funeral scene. A minor audio mismatch is noticed where background village chatter doesn’t sync with the visuals. In another shot, a modern vehicle briefly appears in the background, breaking the otherwise rural setting.

Quotes

• “You lived like a dead man, Anpu… today you die to learn how to live.”
• “The tears you see now are not for your death, but for the life you wasted.”
• “A man’s birthday is celebrated once a year, but his death is remembered forever.”

Crazy_credits

• The film’s opening titles roll against visuals of a funeral pyre slowly burning, symbolizing mortality and rebirth. In a creative twist, the end credits feature real villagers from the filming locations, who share birthday wishes as a symbolic message of “new beginnings.”

Connections

• The film thematically echoes Tamil dramas like Naan Kadavul and Paradesi with its stark realism, while the surreal “living funeral” concept draws inspiration from philosophical cinema traditions seen in world films like Ikiru .

Soundtracks

• Composed by G.K.V and Navneet, the soundtrack blends folk melodies with soulful orchestration:
• “Uyir Ninaivugal” – A poignant ballad about life’s fleeting nature.
• “Veedu Varai Thedi” – A rustic folk number capturing village simplicity.
• “Piravi Naal” – A reflective track paralleling birth and rebirth.
• “Saagum Munneer” – A haunting funeral-themed chant layered with orchestral music.
• “Piranthanaal Vazhthukal” (Title Track) – A hopeful, uplifting piece symbolizing redemption.