Caveat: Not for those averse to reading long text.

In literature, the climax is the most intense moment within a story, marking a turning point for the protagonist as they confront the main conflict. Climax can also be used as a stylistic device by increasing the importance of the words in a phrase or sentence.

I happened to watch a part of the interview of actor Lakshmi with some media. She categorically mentioned that the Director is the leader of any movie and we actors only have to listen to what they say and how they ask us to act. 

Well, it is a known fact as a film becomes a hit the credit goes to the director and his narrative technique and if it fails the blame falls on him also. I am not talking about the Star Films which are made only to project the protagonist with the least storyline and maximum action, gore, and violence. 

Honestly speaking I still remember some films where the lead to the climax and the climax are special and specific because the director and writer delineate them with great vision and care and raise the players to become the characters with conviction. 

In such cases, I cannot but concur with Lakshmi’s views. She referred to the climax of her successful movie ‘Samsaram Adu Minsaram’ (1986) where she took a day to convince herself how she needed to project her character in the finale. 

In the same manner, I admired the lead and the climax of ‘Kadalukku Mariyathai’ (1997) where the entire responsibility of the scene was on Srividhya’s shoulders, and she excelled in that. Remember all the characters of the movie were present in that scene including the hero and heroine who had nothing to do. Even if you watch it today you cannot but wonder how Fazil had emotionally visualized the climax and directed Vidhya to perform. 

Similarly, the lead to the denouement in the Hindi movie ‘Thappad’ (2020) rested on mainly Tapsee, Tanvi Azmi, (in fact, she has no dialogues except facial expressions), and Pavail Gulati. One could easily see the entire sequence of events and the end was awesome because of the director Anubhav Sinha. 

I would say the same about the presently celebrated director Mari Selvaraj for his poignant climax in his super-success movie ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ (2018). The lead was a bit violent and what followed was something amazing. The sharp and few dialogues and the open ending made the film remarkable. 

It was something a nail-biting climax for the viewers of ‘12th fail’ (2023) from the frame Vikrant Massey enters the UPSC office premises till he comes back after facing the interview panel twice. Of course, what happened in the second interview comes on screen only after the results were announced. But an anxiety-ridden climax and ending. 

In recent times, though I was aware of the finale, I was a bit anxious when I watched the last scene of ‘Ullozhukku’ (2024). With minimum dialogue and just facial expressions, the climax had a great impact on the viewers. Parvathi and Urvashi though walked with the acting honors the credit should go to the young director Christo Tomy.

These are just examples where the director and writer know their job with great conviction. 

It is sad many filmmakers today never care for a strong story or style of narration, start, middle, or climax of the movie except for providing a lot of work for the hero’s image, stuntmen, and FX effects.