Sithan(Vikram), the undertaker in a cemetery, is a social outcast with no contact with the civilized world. Into his life comes Sakthivel(Surya), a fast-talking, glib fraudster. The two first meet in jail, Sithan ending up there due to his association with the owner of a large ganja farm and Sakthi, due to being caught redhanded in his latest fraud. Gomathi(Sangeetha), a goodhearted ganja seller cares for both of them while Manju(Laila) is the one responsible for landing Sakthi in jail after being at the receiving end of a few of his capers. When Sithan realises that another soul exists in the world to care about him, his world begins to revolve around Sakthi too.

Through Vikram, Bala creates one of the most unique characters in Tamil cinema. The role of the undertaker, cut off from the world and with only corpses for friends, is wonderfully designed. Only a very thin line separates Vikram from being an animal and Bala stresses this at several points throughout the movie. When we see Vikram growl, beat up anyone who as much as lays a hand on him, charge through the forests and provide undying loyalty to the person who cares for him, we realise that Vikram is a human being only physically. The way he deals with Mahadevan in the end confirms this. The way Bala has shaped the character is a triumph.

Movies about friendship have been many in Tamil cinema but I cannot recall one about friendship between two such mismatched human beings. The bond between Vikram and Surya is almost poetic and is developed smoothly and naturally. The situations that bring the two closer together are in keeping with both their characters and every emotion, be it Surya's agony at the act Vikram performs without realising its magnitude or Vikram's silent discomfort at Laila's closeness with Surya, is brought out naturally. And Bala never misses a chance to bring a smile to our lips either. The way Surya uses Vikram's instinctive anger to snap at others is always funny.

The relation between Surya and Laila, which had been developed so wonderfully during the tiffs between them, loses all its believability the moment she falls in love with him. And the reason she falls for him? Because he didn't choose to escape by ripping her dress off embarassing her! And her family, which seems so protective of her when she put Surya in jail, is nowhere in the picture as she seems to spend every moment with him. The climax drags on a little too long. While that by itself is no crime, it seems designed to showcase Vikram acting talents rather than for a valid reason. And the end itself has Sethu's shadow hanging over it.

With such strong characters and a character-driven storyline, the movie's success or failure depends on the performances of its actors. And every performer in Pithamagan, whether in a big or small role, responds beautifully. Vikram pretty much lives the role of the undertaker. With dry and streaked hair, dirty teeth and torn clothes, he looks the part and though he doesn't utter a word (except for the song that accompanies every cremation), he conveys everything through his expressions and body language. Just the way he runs - arms stationary - is a sight to behold. In direct contrast is Surya, who is pretty much the life of the movie. The usually quiet actor exhibits a different persona and succeeds remarkably. His monologues make us laugh every time and his affection for Vikram is entirely believable. Laila, who has been one-dimensional is all her movies so far, shows a lot more range here. Her high-pitched screams, accompanied by lying down and flailing her arms and legs, are very funny and she gets a change to emote in the later portions too. Sangeetha(formerly Rasika) creates a sympathetic character while Mahadevan is makes us cringe with his cold-bloodedness.

Ilaiyaraja adds unmeasurable strength to many of the scenes with his background music. Ilankaathu Veesuthu... is a wonderfully melodious number and is a welcome relief from recent songs that have all tended to sound the same. Adadaa... and Piraiye... are more philosophical but contain some wonderful lyrics. Simran has a rather different 'item' number where she dances(along with Surya) to a medley of old songs.