To Let Movie Review: Chezhiyan’s Directorial Debut Receives Thumbs Up From Critics

The Tamil-language film To Let is Chezhiyan’s directorial debut. The film which released today (February 21) revolves around a lower middle class family’s search for a house. The situation turns worse for the family when they are asked to vacate the rented house suddenly. Starring Santhosh Sreeram, Suseela and Dharun, the movie has left critics speechless. To Let has won national award for the best Tamil film. Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel Review: Dileep’s Crime-Thriller Gets Average Response From Twitterati.

Here’s what the critics have to say about To Let:

Times Now – 4.5/5

To keep things more convincing, the film does not have any songs, but that does not take anything away from it. In fact, that works well for the film and the narrative has no breaks. Overall, To Let is a film you should see not just for its noteworthy performances, but for the pureness of the subject and the simplicity of presentation.

The Hindu

The director capitalises on visual storytelling, which is evident throughout. But what’s equally marvellous about To Let is that, every scene acts as a precursor to an impending event, by underpinning a common thread.

Hindustan Times – 3.5/5

If there’s one aspect that really stands out in Chezhiyan’s national award-winning film To Let, is how it stays away from the norms of commercial cinema -- which includes all the tropes that usually define mainstream Tamil cinema -- and still manages to make something so captivating and praise-worthy. It’s for this aspect alone; the film truly deserves to be celebrated. This is, without a doubt, Tamil cinema’s first big step towards realistic cinema.

Firstpost – 3.5/5

Chezhiyan’s camera is like a silent character and brings out the anguish and pain of the lead characters. Caste, religion and other social backgrounds of those who seek a house for rent is beautifully etched into the narrative.

In.com

The film lures us into its milieu and the lead characters despite not having any cinematic elements like songs, background score, exaggerated camera angles, action sequences etc. It’s as real and candid as it gets!

Watch the trailer of To Let here:

Critics have given thumbs up for Chezhiyan’s To Let. If you have watched this realistic drama, then share your thoughts with us in the comment box below.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2019 04:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).