Por (2024), directed by Bejoy Nambiar, is a Tamil-language action drama that immerses viewers in the chaos, politics, and emotional intensity of college life. Set in the vibrant, fictional St. Martin’s University in Puducherry, the film is a collision of youthful energy, social issues, and personal vendettas. With a cast led by Arjun Das and Kalidas Jayaram, Por attempts to capture the spirit of campus rivalries while weaving in themes of caste, politics, sexuality, and mental health. The result is a film that is as ambitious as it is chaotic, offering both moments of raw authenticity and stretches of narrative excess.

Plot Overview

At its heart, Por is a story of rivalry and rebellion. The film centers on two college students: Yuvaraj (Kalidas Jayaram), a brash, Red Bull-fueled freshman, and Prabhu (Arjun Das), a super senior who has lingered on campus for years, haunted by unfinished business and personal demons. Their antagonism is rooted in a shared, troubled past from boarding school, and it quickly escalates into a campus-wide war.

Yuvaraj, eager to make his mark and settle old scores, challenges the established order by pushing for first-year students to organize the annual college a tradition long monopolized by seniors. Prabhu, who is both feared and respected, finds his authority threatened. Their personal vendetta soon spills over into the lives of everyone around them, setting off a chain reaction of confrontations, alliances, and betrayals.

The supporting cast is equally compelling: Gayatri (TJ Bhanu), an activist fighting for Bahujan solidarity and campus equality; Vennila (Nithyashri), a lower-caste student and Gayatri’s close friend, who runs for student union elections; Surya (Amrutha Srinivasan), a politician’s daughter with her own ambitions; and Rishika (Sanchana Natarajan), a spirited friend navigating her own emotional baggage. The film also features a same-sex relationship, a transwoman character, and subplots touching on child sexual assault and the dark underbelly of campus politics.

As the college festival approaches, tensions boil over. The rivalry between Yuvaraj and Prabhu culminates in a brutal showdown, but not before the film explores the intersecting ambitions, fears, and loyalties of its ensemble cast. The final act is a frenzied, violent, and cathartic release, leaving lasting consequences for both the protagonists and their respective circles.

Arjun Das as Prabhu

Arjun Das delivers a compelling performance as Prabhu, the brooding super senior whose presence looms over the campus. He brings gravitas and subtlety to a character who could have easily become a caricature. Prabhu’s internal struggle-caught between his past and present, between authority and vulnerability rendered with nuance.

Kalidas Jayaram as Yuvaraj

Kalidas Jayaram is electric as Yuvaraj, channeling the reckless abandon of youth. His portrayal of a hot-headed, impulsive fresher is both entertaining and relatable. Kalidas excels in scenes that demand both physicality and emotional intensity, making Yuvaraj’s journey from vengeful upstart to battered survivor believable.

TJ Bhanu as Gayatri

Gayatri is one of the film’s strongest characters, and TJ Bhanu brings her to life with conviction. As an activist and friend, she is both fierce and empathetic, unafraid to challenge authority or support her friends through personal and political battles.

Sanchana Natarajan as Rishika

Rishika is a standout among the supporting cast. Sanchana Natarajan infuses the character with wit, vulnerability, and a sense of lived experience. Her subplot-navigating a bitter past and irrational fears-adds emotional depth to the film.

Supporting Cast

The ensemble includes Nithyashri as Vennila, Amrutha Srinivasan as Surya, and Jeeva Subramanian as a transwoman character. Each brings authenticity and dimension, although some subplots feel underdeveloped or rushed.

Direction & Screenplay

Bejoy Nambiar’s direction is energetic and stylish, with a keen eye for the rhythms and rituals of college life. The screenplay, co-written with his team, is packed with incident and dialogue, sometimes to the point of excess. The film attempts to juggle multiple themes- caste, sexuality, mental health, campus politics- while maintaining the momentum of its central rivalry.

At its best, the writing is sharp, capturing the banter, bravado, and insecurities of its young characters. However, the narrative sometimes buckles under the weight of its own ambition, with too many subplots vying for attention. The pacing is brisk, but the film occasionally feels overstuffed, especially in the second half.

Cinematography & Technical Aspects

The visual style of Por is vibrant and kinetic, with dynamic camerawork that captures both the chaos of college festivals and the intimacy of quieter moments. The use of color and lighting reflects the emotional highs and lows of the story, from the neon-lit energy of parties to the somber hues of confrontation.

The editing is tight for the most part, though the film’s rapid-fire structure can be disorienting as it jumps between storylines. The soundtrack is energetic and contemporary, amplifying the film’s youthful vibe and emotional stakes.

Themes & Analysis

Masculinity and Rivalry

At its core, Por is a study of toxic masculinity-the need to prove oneself, to dominate, to settle scores. The rivalry between Prabhu and Yuvaraj is both personal and symbolic, representing the larger battles for power and respect that play out in every institution. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the destructive consequences of these battles, both for the individuals involved and those caught in the crossfire.

Caste and Social Justice

The film deserves credit for weaving caste politics and Bahujan solidarity into its narrative. Vennila’s candidacy and the activism of Gayatri provide a counterpoint to the more self-absorbed struggles of the male leads. These themes are handled with dignity, though some critics have noted that the integration can feel forced or underdeveloped at times.

Sexuality and Identity

Por features a same-sex relationship and a transwoman character, reflecting the diversity of contemporary campuses. While the representation is largely positive and avoids stereotypes, some characters-particularly the transwoman-are relegated to the background, missing an opportunity for deeper exploration.

Mental Health and Trauma

The film touches on mental health, trauma, and the irrational fears that haunt its characters. Rishika’s storyline, in particular, is a poignant exploration of how past pain can shape present choices. However, these themes sometimes get lost amid the film’s more sensational plot points.

Politics and Power

Campus politics is depicted as a microcosm of larger societal struggles, with students vying for influence, politicians meddling in student affairs, and activists pushing for change. The film’s depiction of electioneering, alliances, and betrayals is both entertaining and insightful.

Standout Scenes

• The College Festival: The centerpiece of the film, the festival is a riot of color, music, and chaos. It’s here that the rivalry between Prabhu and Yuvaraj reaches its fever pitch, culminating in a brutal, cathartic showdown.

• The Confrontation: A tense, dialogue-heavy scene where Prabhu tries to make peace with Yuvaraj, only to be met with rage and resentment. The emotional stakes are high, and both actors deliver powerful performances.

• Gayatri’s Activism: Scenes of Gayatri calling out casteism and standing by her friend Vennila add gravitas and urgency to the narrative.

• Rishika’s Vulnerability: Quiet moments with Rishika, as she grapples with her fears and past trauma, provide some of the film’s most affecting scenes.

Performances

The cast is uniformly strong, with Arjun Das and Kalidas Jayaram anchoring the film. TJ Bhanu, Sanchana Natarajan, and the supporting ensemble bring authenticity and depth, even when the script doesn’t fully serve their characters. The chemistry between the leads and the palpable tension in their confrontations is a highlight.

Strengths

• Energetic Direction: Bejoy Nambiar brings style and urgency to the campus setting, making the film visually and emotionally engaging.

• Relevant Themes: The film tackles issues of caste, sexuality, mental health, and politics with sincerity, if not always with depth.

• Strong Performances: The cast, especially Arjun Das and Kalidas Jayaram, deliver memorable turns.

• Realistic Campus Atmosphere: The depiction of college life, with its mix of camaraderie, rivalry, and chaos, feels authentic and relatable.

Weaknesses

• Overstuffed Narrative: The film tries to juggle too many themes and subplots, leading to a lack of focus in places.

• Underdeveloped Characters: Some supporting characters, especially those representing marginalized identities, are sidelined or underwritten.

• Convenient Plot Turns: Certain events, especially leading up to the climax, feel contrived or overly convenient.

• Inconsistent Tone: The film swings between high drama, social commentary, and campus comedy, sometimes losing its balance.

Critical and Audience Reception

Por has received mixed to positive reviews. Critics have praised its ambition, performances, and willingness to tackle difficult topics, but have also noted its narrative sprawl and occasional lack of depth. Audiences, especially younger viewers, have responded to its energetic portrayal of college life and its attempt to reflect the diversity and complexity of contemporary youth.

The film’s climax, with its frenzied violence and emotional payoffs, has been both lauded for its intensity and critiqued for its excess. The final resolution brings a sense of closure, though not all storylines are neatly tied up.

Final Verdict

Por is a bold, messy, and often exhilarating portrait of college life and the battles-personal, political, and social-that define it. While its ambition sometimes gets the better of its narrative, the film’s energy, performances, and thematic relevance make it a compelling watch. It’s a film that tries to do a lot, and even if it doesn’t succeed on every front, it’s never less than engaging.

Rating: 3.5/5

Conclusion

In the end, Por is a war-not just between two young men, but between ideals, ambitions, and the many identities that collide on a modern campus. It’s a film that pulses with the chaos and color of youth, daring to tackle big issues even as it revels in the messiness of its characters’ lives. For viewers willing to embrace its energy and forgive its excesses, Por offers a vivid, if imperfect, snapshot of a generation in flux.