Ayalum Njanum Thammil

My review: Ayalum Njanum Thammil

"Aayalum Njanum Thammil", written by Bobby-Sanjay and directed by Lal Jose is one of the best movies of the year in Malayalam. It is a coming of age story of a haughty and irresponsible junior doctor into a dedicated and conscientious cardiac surgeon through his relationship with a noble and honest senior doctor. With an underlay of suspense the movie makes for an engaging watch.

As with most of the new age Malayalam movies, in "Aayalum Njanum Thammil" also script is flawless, almost. That Bobby has a medical background is seen vividly on screen. Movie portrays exactly what happens in a medical college, with what kind of attitude new young doctors graduate and start their practice, the knowledge level of doctors graduating, and how they relate with their senior colleagues. The scriptwriters scores in with minutest of details. All the medical terminologies, procedures, treatment, etc used in the movie are flawless. It is refreshing to see an Indian movie with the amount of research and homework to come up with a authentic portrayal of a medical story.

Director Lal Jose has presented a nice script in a poetic manner. Movie also moves at a good pace, not lagging at any point of time.

Prithviraj has come up with one of his best performances as a young doctor whose life changes when he is forced to work in a rural area as a part of his bond for completion of his course. First as an impulsive and hot-headed student, later as a reluctant and passive doctor starting his career in a rural set-up, and finally as a mature senior doctor, Prithviraj portrays various shades of his character effortlessly and in a restrained manner without overacting. Prathap Pothen is another pillar for this movie. Using all his experience he has come up with one of the most memorable character in recent times, Dr Samuel. Great work from the veteran.

Narain is good as the protagonist's friend. Among the lead ladies, Samvrutha Sunil and Ramya Nambeesan have more screen-space and scope to perform and they have done their parts well. Rima Kallingal has nothing much to do in a brief role which seems to have written as an after-thought.

Jomon T.John's cinematography is excellent. The camera work is pleasant and breathtaking all the same. Technically this movie is among the best. Ouseppachan's music is good with two good melodies and background score which compliments the script.

"Ayalum Njanum Thammil" is a nostalgic ride for the doctors. Surely it will bring back at least one or two of their old memories. For others it is nice peek into the lives of doctors, right from their college days. It also provides some insights into how many doctors are victimized in their zeal to do good to patients putting their career and reputation at stake.

On the whole, "Ayalum Njanum Thammil" is a pleasant movie with food for thought.

Bottomline:  Respect for the doctors.

3.5/5