Abhyanjana Movie Review: Questioning Mercy Through a Controversial Practice

By Susmita SameeraAbhyanjana is based on the Tamil practice known as Thalaikoothal, which translates to bathing or showering. Observed in some rural parts of Tamil Nadu, it is an illegal form of elder-killing associated with terminally ill elderly individuals. The practice is carried out with the consent of the person involved, yet remains unlawful as it results in an unnatural death.The ritual involves applying oil to the head and body, followed by a prolonged massage and repeated cold-water baths. The individual is then made to consume several tender coconuts and a glass of milk. According to the belief surrounding the practice, the process induces fever, leading to death within a few days. Through its narrative, Abhyanjana examines this controversial tradition and the moral questions it raises.Set in a village on the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border, the film follows Hari, who runs a modest tea stall and a small store selling basic necessities. Burdened by mounting debt due to his father's prolonged illness and medical expenses, Hari continues to care for him with unwavering devotion. Despite financial hardship, he remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities as a son.Hari's wife, Manju, respects and supports her husband's dedication. At the same time, she struggles with the realities of their situation. The family's financial condition continues to deteriorate, and even simple plans become difficult because Hari's bedridden father cannot be left alone. While the father is aware of the burden his condition places on the family, he remains helpless.The conflict intensifies when Manju learns about the practice of Thalaikoothal. Hari is strongly opposed to the idea, but his father's diagnosis of cancer, coupled with a stroke and increasing suffering, places him in a difficult position. The film explores his dilemma: whether to consider the ritual as a means of ending his father's pain or continue relying on medication that offers only temporary relief. Throughout its narrative, Abhyanjana examines the complex question of what is right and wrong from a human perspective without offering easy answers.The performances are convincing, with the actors fully inhabiting their roles. Technically, the film remains average. Its screenplay demands considerable patience, as the narrative unfolds at a slow pace. The treatment often resembles a documentary, presenting the practice in detail while encouraging viewers to reflect on its ethical implications. The film leaves the audience conflicted, as any perceived sense of mercy is weighed against the reality that the practice involves the deliberate ending of a life through an illegal act.