Inam
Reviews
timesofindia
Inam begins with that oft-heard Tamil saying, 'Yaadhum oore yaavarum kelir' and goes on to narrate the story of Rajini ( Sugandha Ram, conveying vulnerability and fear very well), a Sri Lankan Tamil girl, who, we understand, is seeking refuge in India. If the recent Ravana Desam presented the plight of the people on the sea when they try to crossover to India, Inam gives us a peek into their ordeal before their board the boats. Though there is a narrative arc, Rajini's story is presented as compilation of moments from her live. We are introduced to the characters in her life — Tsunami Akka ( Saritha), who has lost her daughter to the war and has now built a family of sorts around her with orphaned kids and teenagers, Stanley Master ( Karunas), a school teacher who yearns to reach the safe shores of another nation, his wife Stella, Ravi ( Shyam Sundar), an angry youngster on whom Rajini has a crush, and a host of youngsters. Into this motley group enters Nandan ( Star Karan), a special child, who wants to find his fighter brother. In the first half, we get to see how these characters try to lead as normal a life as possible. We see them bonding together, teasing each other, learning together, and even falling in love. However, it is the final stage of war and the battle soon reaches their shores. Even as they try to stay alive, they get scattered or worse die. Rajini, who is wedded to Nandan, flees with one of her friends and her pre-teen husband, but end up in the hands of the Sri Lankan forces. Coming on the heels of the UN's decision to investigate war crimes in Sri Lanka, Inam is very much topical and mostly presents a neutral perspective on the last phase of the brutal civil war. It wants to show how war can tear apart the moral fibre of humans, and how it affects even those who aren't involved in the fighting. It also tries to show how a pacifist will also become aggressive when pushed to his limits. In one scene, we see Stanley taking on a group of Sri Lankan soldiers who, in the name of searching, feel the women up. He requests, pleads and begs them but when there is no acknowledgement, he stands up to them as he realizes that he has nothing to lose except life and honour. A helpless Rajini is raped but when she gets her chance, she kills the soldier who is forcing himself upon her. Meanwhile, a Lankan soldier bemoans the fact that the war has turned his countrymen into animals, but he will not turn into one. Being a cinematographer, Sivan often resorts to imagery to convey his message. A lengthy shot is seen through a plastic cover holding fishes, half of which are dead, symbolizing the fate of the Tamils in the country. Gods of various religions lie disfigured after a bombing. The most impressionable one is when Rajini pricks her thumb and presses it onto a paper, and we see a thumb impression signifying the bleeding island nation. But the film isn't entirely a sombre affair. There are a few touches of whimsy like a character who has been sitting in one place after accidentally stepping on a landmine, a bedridden one who likes see pictures of women in their swimwear. A chicken that turns into a stew. A kind-of first night between two pairs of teens. A baila song on dosa. But it is Karan who is the source of many of the lighter moments here. An actual Down's syndrome child, he makes Nandan a character to root for with his innocence. Yet, somehow, Inam stops short of being a hard-hitting film. It is very reluctant to spell things out, which, while understandable, given the protests the film has invited from pro-Tamil groups in the state, makes everything a little hazy, as the context isn't firmly established. Some of the bombing and battle scenes look too similar and there are times when we can see Sivan leaning a little too much on his visuals to create the desired impact.
Movie Recommendation
Nedunchaalai2014-03-28Tarpaulin Murugan is a feared name on the highway near Periyakulam, as he steals goods from lorries plying on the route. Sparks fly between Masanimuthu, the crooked new cop who has come to the place, and Murugan, and their hostility increases after they cross swords over Manga, a young dhaba owner.More...
Iron Man1973-10-09During the Japanese occupation, Little Tiger, an honest cook in Shanghai, takes exception of two Chinese that pass from insult to sexual harassment against a beautiful and modest girl servant. During the fight, the pair of molesters receive help from a number of colleagues from the same martial arts school - who are in support of the Japanese - while Little Tiger is helped by young men from his own school. A major fight develops, and the cook accidentally kills one of the thugs. The Police comes to arrest Little Tiger and to close down his school, but they resist and the cook escapes. Little Tiger is now a fugitive, living in disguise. When a duel between the two rival schools is arranged in an open-air site, Little Tiger is watching disguised as an old man, but he can't resist. He takes off his false beard, declares his name, and demands to join in the competition - beating up all competitors.More...
Toy Story 21999-10-30Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggen, owner of Al's Toy Barn kidnaps Woody. Andy's toys mount a daring rescue mission, Buzz Lightyear meets his match and Woody has to decide where he and his heart truly belong.More...
Chicken Little2005-11-04When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion and prove that the world's biggest hero is a little chicken.More...
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives1986-08-01Tommy Jarvis, tormented by the fear that maybe Jason isn't really dead, unwittingly resurrects the mass murderer for another bloody rampage.More...
The Wild2006-04-06An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.More...
Here Comes the Boom2012-10-10A high school biology teacher moonlights as a mixed-martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to save the school's music program.More...
The Chronicles of Riddick2004-06-11After years of outrunning ruthless bounty hunters, escaped convict Riddick suddenly finds himself caught between opposing forces in a fight for the future of the human race. Now, waging incredible battles on fantastic and deadly worlds, this lone, reluctant hero will emerge as humanity's champion - and the last hope for a universe on the edge of annihilation.More...
Project Almanac2015-01-28A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.More...
The Expendables 22012-08-08Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.More...
Kung Fu Panda Holiday2010-11-26The Winter Feast is Po's favorite holiday. Every year he and his father hang decorations, cook together, and serve noodle soup to the villagers. But this year Shifu informs Po that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal Winter Feast at the Jade Palace. Po is caught between his obligations as the Dragon Warrior and his family traditions: between Shifu and Mr. Ping.More...
Bolt2008-11-21Bolt is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood. The only problem is, he thinks it's real. After he's accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt must harness all his "super powers" to find a way home.More...
A Romantic Comedy2010-02-05Bored with her life and inspired by a friend's wedding, Esra quits her job and dumps her boyfriend, leading to a series of romantic misadventures.More...
Time Cut2024-10-29A teen in 2024 accidentally time-travels to 2003, days before a masked killer murders her sister. Can she change the past without destroying the future?More...
The Thief Lord2006-01-04A tale about two young boys, Prosper and Bo, who flee to Venice after being orphaned and dumped in the care of a cruel auntie. Hiding in the canals and alleyways of the city, the boys are befriended by a gang of young urchins and their enigmatic leader, the Thief Lord. From their home base of an old cinema theater, the children steal from the rich to support themselves and soon capture the interest of a bumbling detective. However, a greater threat to the children is something from a forgotten past - a beautiful magical treasure with the power to spin time itselfMore...
Underworld: Awakening2012-01-19Having escaped years of imprisonment, vampire warrioress Selene finds herself in a changed world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Now Selene must battle the humans and a frightening new breed of super Lycans to ensure the death dealers' survival.More...
Tangled Ever After2012-01-13The kingdom is in a festive mood as everyone gathers for the royal wedding of Rapunzel and Flynn. However, when Pascal and Maximus, as flower chameleon and ring bearer, respectively, lose the gold bands, a frenzied search and recovery mission gets underway. As the desperate duo tries to find the rings before anyone discovers that they’re missing, they leave behind a trail of comical chaos that includes flying lanterns, a flock of doves, a wine barrel barricade and a very sticky finale. Will Maximus and Pascal save the day and make it to the church in time? And will they ever get Flynn’s nose right?More...
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II2002-02-06Now that Frollo is gone, Quasimodo rings the bell with the help of his new friend and Esmeralda's and Phoebus' little son, Zephyr. But when Quasi stops by a traveling circus owned by evil magician Sarousch, he falls for Madellaine, Sarouch's assistant.More...
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers2002-12-18Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.More...
Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II2008-11-16Seth Green and Matthew Senreich serve up more hilarious Star Wars-inspired satire in this second compilation of sketches featuring the zany stop-motion animation of Adult Swim's "Robot Chicken." Gary the stormtrooper deals with irascible boss Darth Vader on Take Your Daughter to Work Day, while Anakin babysits a certain up-and-coming Jedi.More...
Similar Movies
Tears of the Sun
2003-03-07Navy SEAL Lieutenant A.K. Waters and his elite squadron of tactical specialists are forced to choose between their duty and their humanity, between following orders by ignoring the conflict that surrounds them, or finding the courage to follow their conscience and protect a group of innocent refugees. When the democratic government of Nigeria collapses and the country is taken over by a ruthless military dictator, Waters, a fiercely loyal and hardened veteran is dispatched on a routine mission to retrieve a Doctors Without Borders physician.Tap Roots
1948-08-25Set at the beginning of the Civil War, Tap Roots is all about a county in Mississippi which chooses to secede from the state rather than enter the conflict. The county is protected from the Confederacy by an abolitionist and a Native American gentleman. The abolitionist's daughter is courted by a powerful newspaper publisher when her fiance, a confederate officer, elopes with the girl's sister. The daughter at first resists the publisher's attentions, but turns to him for aid when her ex-fiance plans to capture the seceding county on behalf of the South.A Tree Grows in Brook...
1945-02-28In Brooklyn circa 1900, the Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and Papa's alcoholism. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.The Year of Living Da...
1982-12-17A young Australian reporter tries to navigate the political turmoil of Indonesia during the rule of President Sukarno with the help of a diminutive photographer.Salvador
1986-04-23In 1980, an American journalist covering the Salvadoran Civil War becomes entangled with both the leftist guerrilla groups and the right-wing military dictatorship while trying to rescue his girlfriend and her children.Shooting Dogs
2006-03-08Two westerners, a priest and a teacher find themselves in the middle of the Rwandan genocide and face a moral dilemna. Do they place themselves in danger and protect the refugees, or escape the country with their lives? Based on a true story.Between Two Worlds
1966-04-01The son of a newly rich industrialist becomes embroiled in a murder cover-up.Johnny Shiloh
1965-12-21Johnny Shiloh is a 1963 made for TV film that originally aired in two parts on the Wonderful World of Disney in Color. It was released in other countries theatrically as one film and is on DVD as one film. Johnny Shiloh is the true story about Johnny Clem, the ten year old drummer boy who became a union officer in the Civil War.Mark's Secret to Eter...
2013-11-0118-year-old Mark wakes up in a parallel world where no one knows who he is - not his family, friends or girlfriend - and discovers that he and all the people he loves will soon die a painful death.Gettysburg
1993-10-08In the summer of 1863, General Robert E. Lee leads the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with the goal of marching through to Washington, D.C. The Union Army of the Potomac, under the command of General George G. Meade, forms a defensive position to confront the rebel forces in what will prove to be the decisive battle of the American Civil War.Persepolis
2007-06-27In 1970s Iran, Marjane 'Marji' Satrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah's defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own.Savior
1998-06-01A hardened mercenary in the Foreign Legion begins to find his own humanity when confronted with atrocities during the fighting in Bosnia.The Leopard
1963-03-27As Garibaldi's troops begin the unification of Italy in the 1860s, an aristocratic Sicilian family grudgingly adapts to the sweeping social changes undermining their way of life. Proud but pragmatic Prince Don Fabrizio Salina allows his war hero nephew, Tancredi, to marry Angelica, the beautiful daughter of gauche, bourgeois Don Calogero, in order to maintain the family's accustomed level of comfort and political clout.The Wind That Shakes ...
2006-06-23In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.The Miracle Worker
1962-05-23The true story of the frightening, lonely world of silence and darkness of 7-year-old Helen Keller who, since infancy, has never seen the sky, heard her mother's voice or expressed her innermost feelings. Then Annie Sullivan, a 20-year-old teacher from Boston, arrives. Having just recently regained her own sight, the no-nonsense Annie reaches out to Helen through the power of touch, the only tool they have in common, and leads her bold pupil on a miraculous journey from fear and isolation to happiness and light.Carla's Song
1996-10-30A Glasgow man visits war-torn Nicaragua with a refugee tormented by her memories.Checkpoint
1998-08-15A group Russian soldiers is send to an outpost to guard the area. They pass the day patroulling the area, while being shot at from the forest. They never know if the civillions are hostile or friendly to them.Michael Collins
1996-10-25Michael Collins plays a crucial role in the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920s, but becomes vilified by those hoping to create a completely independent Irish republic.Lord of War
2005-09-16Yuri Orlov is a globetrotting arms dealer and, through some of the deadliest war zones, he struggles to stay one step ahead of a relentless Interpol agent, his business rivals and even some of his customers who include many of the world's most notorious dictators. Finally, he must also face his own conscience.The Travelling Player...
1975-07-01This expansive Greek drama follows a troupe of theater actors as they perform around their country during World War II. While the production that they put on is entitled "Golfo the Shepherdess," the thespians end up echoing scenes from classic Greek tales in their own lives, as Elektra plots revenge on her mother for the death of her father, and seeks help from her brother, Orestes, a young anti-fascist rebel.