The heart of “Por” lies in the intense rivalry between two college students—freshman Yuva and super senior Prabhu—set against the backdrop of the tumultuous world of Por, filled with political interference and caste discrimination.
At its core, “Por” follows a group of university students navigating the impracticalities of youth, but in a more grandiose and exaggerated manner.
Typically, films revolving around ego clashes among college students might appear frivolous and amateurish. However, “Por” presents the rivalry between Yuva (Kalidas Jayaram) and Prabhu (Arjun Das) with a sense of gravitas, hinting at deeper stakes at play.
The film’s exploration of politics and caste dynamics could have felt forced into the narrative, yet the makers adeptly integrate these themes with respect and alignment to the overall storyline, avoiding overemphasis.
Even familiar scenes, such as seniors ragging freshmen or the confrontations between the leads, feel fresh and engaging in “Por.”
“Por” truly shines in its music, cinematography, performances, and editing, which collectively elevate it beyond a typical college drama. Despite a seemingly mundane storyline, the film manages to captivate and entertain throughout, thanks to its rich ensemble of characters.
With a plethora of characters and subplots, “Por” occasionally struggles to justify every narrative thread. The film’s runtime may work against it, as certain subplots, like Bhama’s character and the forced humor in Bhama and Aama’s rhyming, feel unnecessary and could have been trimmed.
The cast of “Por” delivers uniformly strong performances, with Arjun Das and Kalidas Jayaram leading the pack. Kalidas Jayaram, in particular, shines in a role that demands both depth and nuance.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of “Por” may vary depending on the viewer’s stage of life. While some may view the antics of college students as trivial and wasteful, those willing to immerse themselves in the film’s world will find “Por” to be a compelling and enjoyable cinematic experience worth savoring.
