LINEMAN is based on a true story, written and directed by Udhai Kumar and Vinoth Sekar. The film is about life in the salt pan region.
LINEMAN a premise brimming with potential for both emotional depth and social critique. However, the film falters by narrowing its focus, delivering a dramatized portrayal of personal suffering at the expense of addressing the systemic issues at play. True stories, when handled with the right balance, can shed light on larger socio-economic challenges. Unfortunately, LINEMAN leans too heavily on its protagonist’s family struggles, sidelining the broader narrative of the salt pan community’s harsh realities. The film’s reluctance to explore how the system functions—or fails—feels like a missed opportunity, reducing the narrative to a personal tragedy rather than the collective plight of an overlooked workforce. The screenplay suffers from trying to pack in too much drama, losing sight of the bigger picture. What could have been an insightful exploration of systemic flaws becomes a tale overly focused on emotional manipulation, leaving the audience with an incomplete picture of the salt pan workers’ lives and struggles. LINEMAN misses the mark by opting for melodrama over meaningful exploration. While the film might evoke some sympathy, it fails to deliver the depth and nuance required to truly resonate.
Charlie delivers what is now a trademark performance—emotive but predictable. Aditi Balan fits well into her role but isn’t given enough material to leave a strong impression. Jegan Balaji and the supporting cast are passable but unremarkable.
Cinematography by Vishnu K Raja is neat. Deepak Nandhakumar’s musical score is fine. Dialogues are average and direction standard.
Salt pans deserve a broader lens; this one’s too myopic.
LINEMAN – LISTLESS !!
B.U.Shreesha
