35

35 is a Tamil & Telugu psychological thriller that dives into rarely covered topics – men’s mental health and the hidden scars they bear. Directed by Nithin Sathya, the movie has Aari Arujunan playing the standout role of a man who is struggling not only with the chaos surrounding him but also with the storm raging inside him. The title, which is minimalistic and symbolic at the same time, mystically refers to both the age of the protagonist and a crucial phase in his life.

The film resolves itself like a psychological puzzle, blending reality with memory. Instead of relying on traditional thriller techniques, it invites the audience into the character’s mind using emotional intricacy combined with visual imagery. 35 addresses contemporary emotional isolation, hidden violence, and fragile masculinity—making it important for today’s society and relevant for all.

Plot

The film revolves around Aravind, a man who is struggling to come to terms with a world that seems to be falling apart, and his gradually worsening mental health.  During his 35th birthday, he begins to have episodes of losing his memory, panicking, and even breaking down emotionally. Aravind is now forced to confront his childhood trauma which he had stowed away.

Through therapy, interactions with his favorite people, and even the dark places of his mind – the film follows Aravind’s fight for clarity. 35 isn’t only a personal journey but an exploration of the psyche. Can a tortured soul heal, or does the struggle become an irremovable part of their reality? That is the enigma that this film explores.

Performances

Having also produced the film, Aari Arujunan gives an internalized and committed performance which was deeply internalized and committed. His take on Aravind is raw and devoid of dramatics, yet intensely turbulent emotionally. Aari is multifaceted from his hushed breakdowns to his moments of suppressed fury, complex for a role that requires both tenderness and guardedness. 

Mirnaa Menon was pivotal to the film as she plays the role of the emotional anchor in Aravind’s life. His love interest was not a token character but a woman who had a deep concern and a soft heart. Their chemistry onscreen served a deeper purpose while a struggle to reflect the burden mental illness has on relationships was placed on her performance. The aides such as the therapists, family, and co-workers, add a supporting manner to the story through their roles, albeit small, in clever yet substantial ways.

Direction and Screenplay

Nithin Sathya, the director, approaches this film with incredible maturity, especially with how sensitive the topic is. His style is subtle but multifaceted which refrains from the use of cliches that dramatize mental health issues. Rather than serving loud arguments, the film steers into silence, flashbacks, and monologues. Aravind’s head is where the audience has been placed by the director, and that thinking is how the cinematic dialect is constructed – chaotic, psychologically speaking.

The script is written in a fractured manner to convey the effects of memory and trauma. It works well to keep the audience intrigued and motivated to put the story together alongside the main character. Surrealism and heavily dramatized moments sit side by side, and Sathya blends them with clear intention.  

Music and Technical Aspects  

Dharan Kumar’s music is soft and unobtrusive yet still manages to be deeply moving. The background score is composed to do more than just raise suspense; it represents Aravind’s mindset—sometimes fractured, and other times calm. The sharp sound design chosen in this film is minimalist. It fits the mood of the film perfectly, enhances the scenes, and gives depth to the emotions instead of overpowering them.  

Yuva’s work on the film’s cinematography adds to the viewer’s understanding of Aravind’s psyche. Effective use of shadows, reflections, tight framing, and blurriness play a large role in determining the film’s visual style. The film is visually intimate and intense. It is constantly close up to Aravind and focuses on his face for what feels like an eternity so the viewers have time to process the emotions he is feeling. The rhythm of the film is in the editing done by Hariharan. He keeps the film tight and balanced without losing any of the emotional rhythm.

Themes

35 intricately explores mental health, masculinity, trauma, and societal expectations. Aravind is a representation of men who are trained to bottle emotions up and eventually almost reach a breaking point. The film illustrates how unaddressed past traumas tend to inflict harm on adult behavior.

The narrative discusses how healing of sorts and emotional closeness are experienced including the act of understanding self and others and how they can help create room for healing. The film portrays a delicate yet powerful message that therapy and communication are essential tools for navigating through internal storms. His breakdown may be the first of its kind to be shown on screen, but it is doing the work of destigmatizing emotional vulnerability.

Conclusion

That a film in Tamil cinema also available on iBomma comparatively lesser known, 35 captures the multi-layered complexities of its lead without losing focus on commercial appeal is remarkably unique. It’s a refreshingly honest and poignant film that in the face of offering no solutions, invites rather important conversation.

Arujunan Aari’s depiction of the lead alongside Nithin Sathya’s direction draws attention to 35 for the honesty and craftsmanship put into it. More than a genre-defining thriller, emotionally charged and thought-provoking in the best way possible, 35 leaves an impact that lasts far longer than its runtime.