Memories

My review: Memories

After string of flops, Prithviraj's career turned for the better following his unexpected hit "Ayalum Njanum Thammil", followed by couple of hits "Celluloid" and "Mumbai Police". On the lines of "Mumbai Police", Prithviraj's latest movie "Memories" is also a detective suspense thriller written and directed by Jeethu Joseph who himself is riding on his successful "My Boss", one of the biggest hits in Malayalam last year. The now successful combo have maintained their position with "Memories" too. 

Neatly written and well executed, "Memories" is an engrossing thriller that keeps you guessing throughout the two and half hours you are in front of the big screen. Jeethu has struck a beautiful pace which is neither breakneck nor lackadaisical but the story travels at a pace that is just perfect for this story. As a result you are able to absorb the storyline, try to assimilate the hints and clues and at the same time don't feel that you are left far behind because of the pace at which things happen. As you start to travel along with the characters in the movie you get so lost in the story that you hardly notice the time spent. 

Part of the success should go to the actors who have all put in more than decent performances. Prithviraj leads the way with a dignified portrayal of an alcohol police officer on a long leave after the murder of his wife and daughter at the hands of one of his encounter victim's brother. He shows various shades of his character from a loving husband, father and son to a forlorn, brooding alcoholic to an astute investigator who gets into the case reluctantly after being pushed into it by his mother. He has consolidated his position in the industry with his acting with each of his recent movies that have given ample scope for him to perform.   

It is solely a Prithviraj movie for he is there in almost each and every frame of the movie while rest of the cast have nothing much to do except to provide adequate support. Meghna Raj looks gorgeous in her cute cameo while Mia George has scope to perform. Nedumudi Venu, Vanitha, Vijayaraghavan, Sreejith Ravi, Suresh Krishna, Sreekumar and the rest all have done their parts well.

Anil Johnson's  background score is brilliant aids in supporting the script in eliciting the thrills. Sujith Vasudev's cinematography is world class. It is one of the well shot Malayalam movies in recent times, technically astounding. Major part of the credits should go to Sujith. 

Jeethu Joseph has tried to focus on the story refraining from undue distractions. This has resulted in an engrossing movie that can be savoured by the movie going public. 

On the whole, "Memories" is one of the best detective suspense thriller in recent times on the lines of "Grandmaster" if not better. 

Bottomline: Engrossing and entertaining.

3.5/5