Tayai
A tale of destitution and lonesomeness, of love found and lost

Review by: NaNi *

The last few years might have seen a decrease in the number of celluloid films being produced in the state. On the other hand, the new technology digital films have made tremendous progress in filling up this gap. The latest production is Tayai, a tale of destitution and lonesomeness, of love lost and found.

Produced under the banner of "Subhas and Sons" and presented by Keipha, Tayai was released on November 16 last with the premiere show at Asha Cinema Hall. Renowned actor Gokul not only wrote the story of this film, he also stars as the main protagonist, Yaima, popularly known as Tayai. The star studded cast also includes Olen, Seema, Binata, Kaiku, Rojesh, Guna and Premeshori.

Gokul is Tayai, an orphan living on the streets of Imphal, taking up whatever jobs he can find to earn his daily meal. One day, he commits an error in his work and his then employer drives him out of the shop. Dejected, ponders upon his life. At that moment, he sees a small girl about to be run over by a vehicle, and instinctively, he saves her.

The girl's parents are overwhelmed by his selfless act, and on finding that he is an orphan, they bring him back to their house to rear him up as their own son. Olen becomes his elder brother and Premeshori, his younger sister. In this family, Tayai finds the love and care that has been lacking in his life.

With time, Olen marries and Seema becomes Tayai's sister-in-law. On the other hand, Binata is charmed by Tayai's simplicity and straightforwardness. But Tayai cloaks his emotions and doesn't tell her that he returns her love.

Life is balanced by joy and sorrow. Grief comes calling into Tayai's life when an amount of money that Olen has just withdrawn from the bank goes missing. The needle of suspicion points towards Tayai and he is driven out of the house. Orphaned once more, he returns to the streets-working as porter and driving rickshaws.

One day, he finds Olen badly injured in an accident. He takes him to the hospital and bears the medical expenses for the treatment with his hard-earned money. Tayai gets another chance to show his gratitude towards his adopted family when he punishes Rajesh for the rape of his sister, Premeshori. But he gets seriously injured in the process and is left on the streets with his wounds becoming septic.

Every story has its conclusion. Seema opens up now and reveals that it was she who had taken the money. Not only that, Tayai had also taken the blame for a murder she committed. Remorse takes over and the entire family seeks out Tayai. But by the time they reach his side, he was already taking his last breath.

It is an exceptionally mature role as Tayai for Gokul who is more famous for his negative roles. But he manages to carry off the role with aplomb. There are some absurd scenes marring the film. One definitely is the scene where Seema reveals her secrets to an injured Olen, and driven by remorse, he takes the bandages off the wound in his head and runs to find Gokul. What is the need for taking off the bandages?

Apart from this, the incorporation of good fighting style and the wonderful acting of the stars provides a special rhythm to carry the film forward.