Kurangu Pedal
Kurangu Pedal
- -The story is about the conflict between a father who doesn't know to ride a cycle and his son who wants to learn to ride a cycle resulting in an emotional roller enjoyable ride. Maari, a 12 year pre-teen boy's trust with a cycle changes his life upside down when the village sees its first cycle-on-rent shop. Incidentally, his father is taunted by the villagers for not knowing to ride a cycle. Denied money to take a cycle on rent, and clandestinely supported by his pampering mother furthered up his learning cause, Maari gets money and in-turn the possession of cycle to learn cycling. The learning journey starts, and that one hour cycling session turns in to a day, fully peppered with interesting events and run-ups with strangers. Until it is walled by Maari's father. This one day bridges the gap between father and son. The realisation blossoms.
Photos
Storyline
Details
Box Office
Company Credits
Technical Specs
Movie Trailer
Movie OTT
Kurangu Pedal has now made its digital premiere on streaming platforms, and Kurangu Pedal’s OTT release date is June 14, 2024 [Friday]. The film was made available to stream at midnight on Aha Tamil and Amazon Prime Video platforms, with English subtitles.
Movie Review
Kurangu Pedal: A Nostalgic Tale of Childhood Potential Unfulfilled
“Kurangu Pedal,” set in the 1980s in rural Tamil Nadu’s Katheri, revolves around a fifth grader named Mariappa (Santhosh Velmurugan) who dreams of learning to ride a bicycle during his summer vacation. The film explores Mariappa’s journey amidst the charming yet challenging rural backdrop, with his father Kandasamy (Kaali Venkat) posing the primary obstacle due to his own inability to ride a bicycle—a fact that has earned him the nickname Natraja Service among the villagers.
The heart of the story lies in Mariappa’s determination to learn to ride a cycle, despite his father’s disapproval and the lack of a bicycle. With the help of his equally eager friends, Mariappa rents a bicycle from a local shop and embarks on his learning adventure. The film beautifully captures the essence of childhood conflicts and the growth they inspire, framed against the picturesque and authentic landscape of the Cauvery River banks and the rocky, mountainous regions of Tamil Nadu.
“Kurangu Pedal” is a simple film that relies heavily on its execution and the depiction of its setting. The use of the Kongu dialect and the unique perspective through the gaps of bicycle wheel spokes highlight how even minor conflicts, when seen through the eyes of a child, can appear monumental. The camera’s low angles further immerse viewers in the children’s world, emphasizing their struggles and triumphs.
The film features sporadic humor and delightful moments, such as a strict school teacher showing a different side outside school grounds. However, it falls short in creating a deeper connection with its characters and setting. For instance, a glimpse of a younger girl confidently riding a bicycle motivates Mariappa and his friends, yet the film misses an opportunity to delve into the liberating emotions that drive him.
Kandasamy’s aversion to bicycles and his preference for walking are only fleetingly addressed, missing a chance to explore his psyche and the roots of his resistance. This lack of depth diminishes the potential impact of the narrative, which could have been richer and more emotionally resonant.
“Kurangu Pedal” flirts with deeper themes, like companionship and mutual support, but these messages are delivered in a straightforward manner, more suited to a moral science textbook than a nuanced film. The film remains a slice-of-life drama that seeks to make us root for Mariappa’s triumph. Yet, despite its potential, the film evokes only soft smiles rather than the thunderous applause it might have achieved with a more profound exploration of its themes.
In summary, “Kurangu Pedal” is a nostalgic tale of childhood that showcases the beauty of rural Tamil Nadu and the simplicity of childhood ambitions. However, it falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential, leaving viewers wishing for a deeper, more emotionally engaging experience.
