Man versus animal conflict has been dealt dealt in the past well in Tamil cinema.
Prabhu Solomon is a master in it. His Mynaa was shot in forest terrain with emphasis on human emotions while his Kumki was about a village and their travails with wild elephant.
Now comes Kaadan. Prabhu Solomon goes little further here speaking about tbe need to preserve nature and care for jumbos.
Man -animal conflict is the crux.
Kaadan (Rana) resolves to preserve huge acre of forest left by his forefathers amd also prevent elephants from being attacked and killed by poachers. As it happens, Environmental Minister Kurunjinathan (Anant Mahadevan) with the help of corporates try build resorts there.
Wall is raised to prevent elephants from going to drink their water. The onus is on Kaadan, who faces many obstructions in his attempts save the forest join hands with local tribes to fight those building resorts. What happened then forms the crux.
It is a Rana show show all the way. He has played his part exceedingly well. He pours out right emotions and reminds one of Vikram in Pithamagan at places. His body language, anger and agony in his eyes deserve special mention. Vishnu Vishal comes as the selfish mahout and impresses us with his emotional breakdown scene in the pre-interval episode.
It is a preachy yet narrated with purpose. Prabhu Solomon deserves a pat for making a honest attempt on screen. Had the second half is made more crisp, Kaadan would be more interesting. Nevertheless, it is a movie to watch out for.