Kali

My review: Kali

Sameer Thahir's, Rajesh Gopinandan written, Dulquer Salman and Sai Pallavi starrer "Kali" is a well made thriller. It deals with how short temperedness can create havoc in the lives of most unassuming of people. Writing is neat, especially the first half of the movie up till the mid second half until the movie gets a cinematic push towards the end. 

The first half of the movie is relatable to anyone who has adult ADHD and knows someone who has it. It is a very educated portrayal of a person with a person with impulsivity and minimal frustration tolerance, both by the writer-director team as well as by the actor (Dulquer Salman) enacting it. The problems such a person has and the coping means of the partner are well crafted. Even the intermission part till the separation of the lead pair the movie moves very naturally that you does get taken aback by the sudden change in the movie's sensibilities thereon. The movie motors on in a full blown cinematic mode from that point which kind of waters down the overall impact of the movie. What could have been a very good naturalistic thriller becomes a mass masala thriller. 

Dulquer Salman is terrific in the role of short tempered Sidarth who gets seething with rage at the drop of a hat. The gamut of emotions he goes through in the second half is superlatively portrayed by him. It is a perfect follow up for Sai Pallavi after that ethereal "Malar". Movie gives equal scope for her as that of the male protagonist and she has lapped it up with elan. The support cast is okay with the antagonists being portrayed in a carboradish manner with cinematic idiosyncrasies. 

Gopi Sunder is just awesome with his musical score. Technically the movie is top notch. On the whole, "Kali" is a neat thriller that could have been a bit better if the screenplay of the late second half complemented the rest.

Bottomline: Good, could have been better. 

3/5

Maheshinte Prathikaaram

My review: Maheshinte Prathikaaram

The Malayalam cinema seems to have gone beyond the realms of conventional screenplay consisting a plot, conflict and resolution. Instead they seem to have brilliantly adept at portraying slice of life in the most natural manner as possible. After "Action Hero Biju", this week "Maheshinte Prathikaaram" does it. Dilesh Pothen, the movie's director has made a beautiful simple movie of the script of  Syam Pushkaran  that is replete with humour. 

Movie just transports you to the beautifully scenic and serene Idukki for about two hours where you become part of the motley group of common men and women who inhabitate the place. The screenplay is so seamlessly woven that the passage of time is hardly felt though  the proceedings happen at a leisurely small townish pace. The situations are real, the characters are real, their predicaments are real and the ending is so casual that it brings cheers in you. 

Humour is the lifeline of the movie that is so intricately laced into the proceedings. At no point these humorous situation seem forced in which is an almost impossible task to achieve. Also the writing is so intelligent that each and every scene is intricately liked to one another. Take for example the sequence that starts of as a petty quibble for a banana that sets of series of cascading events which finally culminate with the event that is the nucleus from which the whole movie evolve, the Mahesh's " prathikaaram". 

Movie is wholly Fahad Fazil's who seems to having a point to prove after a pretty lean patch last year. He has just turned the corners with penance. As a demure Mahesh who gets into an almost obsessive retaliatory mode he is just brilliant. He is back to his "Annayum Rasoolum" days in the romantic portions. He is well supported by bevy of seasoned actors with Alancier Lay as the earthy Baby and our favorite PT master of "Premam" Soubin Shahir as Crispin deserving special mention. Among the ladies, Anushree don't have much to do while the newbie Aparna Balamurali sizzles the screen even in her washed out avatar. She is so sprightly on screen and is a live wire. 

Movie's technical details are adequate not overpowering the script. Shyju Khalid's cinematography is more portraitish than landscapish which is what the movie warrants. It superbly portrays the raw emotions and mundane humour of Idukki than just taking us on a touristic voyage. Similarly Bijibal's music is simplistic and earthy that fits with the narration with elan. 

On the whole, "Maheshinte Prathikaaram" is an enjoyable ride through the hills and valleys of human emotions conceived and presented in a simplistic manner possible that is sure to bring cheers at the end. 

Bottomline: Sweet revenge.

3.5/5 

Premam

My review:

I know it is almost redundant reviewing "Premam" which has completed its golden jubilee run at the theaters. But since I missed it reviewing the first time I watched it as I was quiet busy that time, I thought I should write about it this time when I watched it for the second time recently after almost 24 weeks since my first viewing. This is more of my musings about the movie than a review in its traditional sense. 

It is not that common to witness a movie where almost every aspect of the movie comes good. That has happened with "Premam". One can't think of a better casting than what this movie boasts of. We don't know whether it is sheer serendipity or result of painstaking casting, everyone fits perfectly into their roles to make the movie a perfect whole. Be it the young Celine or the foe turned friend Justin, even the most fleeting of characters are memorable and are very well casted and enacted. So when even the minor characters are that good what could you expect from the lead ones except sparkling fun. 

Nivin Pauly would find himself part of legendary tales for years to come. His George has become part of pop culture not only in Kerala but whole of south India, if not India. His flirtatious coy smile has become part of young pining lovers' armory. His swagger with thick beard clad with black shirt and dhoti has become a fashion statement to the college goers. The effortless ease with which he has shown the variation in terms of physical appearance, body language, attitude and voice modulation for each of the three epochs are sings of someone who is brimming with talent and confidence. 

Premam would not have become such a rage if not for Malar and " Malare". Alphonse Putharen has weaved magic with this characterization which runs a risk of being ostracized by the moral brigade for the manner in which she gets into a romantic relationship with her own pupil. But the dignified manner in which it has been written by Putharen and alluringly portrayed by Sai Pallavi has made people overlook the aberration quiet easily. The movie is a celebration of  girls who are simple, and earthy. Malar is skinny, wears average looking cotton sarees and absolutely no makeup, cheeks brimming with pimples,, has a big nose; yet she is the current teenage heartthrob. That is the kind of magic "Premam" has created. The scene in which she showcases her dancing talent to the unsuspecting dumbstruck gang of George will be remembered for long. 

Usually movies of such genre would have different set of friends for each epoch. But here Shambu and Koya are the constant companions for George, enacted brilliantly by Shabareesh Verma and Krishna Shankar, respectively. Along with Nivin, these two terrific finds have also undergone transformation in the spheres I 've mentioned about Nivin. Madonna Sebastian is a cutey pie. Already there are groups in the social media who are creating memes and banter about who is better, Malar or Celine. 

The music and cinematography are two integral parts of this movie that are as important as any other aspect of the movie in elevating it to the heights it has reached. Rajesh Murugan's background score is terrific. Be it the mellifluous scores of the first epoch, the manic electric guitars with the drums in the beginning of the second epoch or the melancholia of the final portions, he is just superb. "Malare" is already declared as the "hit of the decade". It is a beautiful and perfect confluence of music, lyrics, rendition, picturization and enactment. "Scene Contra" is so catchy that a local radio-station modified it and used it for a campaign for wearing helmet. "Rockaankuthu" and its use in the background score keep the viewers energetic and euphoric when ever it appears. 

Among many unsung heroes of this movie, the most prominent one is Anand C. Chandran, the movie's cinematographer. What a brilliant work. He has collaborated well with  Alphonse Putharen to present to us a visually appealing movie, each and every frames of which is so memorable. Even the mundane events like the preparation of a lime sarbath with the sprinkling of kush kush is presented with artistic elan. "Malare" songs visuals is such a terrific piece of camera work. Due to his brilliance, things like lime sarbath, fish fry, beef curry, red velvet cake, butterflies, etc have almost become integral characters in the narration. 

The basic premise of this movie is decade old. The movie is heavily inspired by Cheran's "Autograph". Even the middle portions have a Malayali in that Tamil film, here a Tamilian. But who would have thought of a movie of jilted live in such a lively, humorous, youthful yet arty and crafty manner without compromising on it's commercial value even an inch. Alphonse Putharen seem to have procured that magic wand which made him do nothing sort of a miraculously perfect movie in all aspects. 

May be in times to come the next generation of movie lovers might question why this movie got such adulation and success it got like how we question what that special about that humongous monster hit  "Sholay". But like "Sholay" which still remains as one of the monumental works in Indian cinema, "Premam" would also find its foothold among them.

P.S: My brief review of the movie at time of its release : "Alphonse Putharen is a movie maker to watch out for. After the mighty impressive ""Neram", his second feature film, "Premam" is a instant classic. How can anyone even think of conceiving a movie on multiple love failures in such a breezy, light-hearted manner yet with moments that tug your heartstrings. Nivin Pauly can do no wrong and Sai Pallavi is an overnight heartthrob. Infinite times better than "Autugraph" and hundred times better than "Life Ishtene", both movies which are among my all time favorites. 4.5/5 "

Action Hero Biju

My review: Action Hero Biju

Nivin Pauly seem to be in the form of his life. He can do no wrong and whatever he touches seem to turn gold. The hit combo of last year's blockbuster "1983", returns once again successfully with this new movie "Action Hero Biju". Abrid Shine gels well with Nivin Pauly and succeeds in bringing him out of his comfort zone and gives him a makeover of sorts with this tough cop role. 

"Action Hero Biju" as the tag line proclaims is "a ride with a police officer". The script written by Abrid Shine and Muhammad Shafeeq doesn't follow the conventional narrative style of a plot, conflict and resolution. The script just takes us into the Ernakulam town police station and leaves you there as a passive onlooker for a few days where we observe varied cases and varied means by which they solve these cases. Along the way they showcase how the local police stations functions as not only a police station but also "as local court, high court and supreme court" as the protagonist says.

Movie wholly belongs to Nivin Pauly who is there onscreen right from the first frame to the last. He has completely reinvented himself from what we have seen him so far as a flirtatious lover boy to a rough and tough honest cop. He effortlessly portrays the demeanor, body language and attitude of a police officer. It is yet another feather in his cap that is already brimming with magnificence. On the other hand the female lead of the movie Anu Emmanuel is just ornamental to the movie and employs the same coyish smile throughout. The support cast is first class.

Rajesh Murugesan's background score is terrific. Alex J Pulickal's cinematography is superb especially the aerial shots towards the end is awesome. Abrid Shine shows his class in many scenes at the same time keeping alive his earthy humor intact. The scene in which the police walkie talkie goes missing is a laugh riot. Another one with the drunk prisoner brings the roof down. 

On the whole, "Action Hero Biju" is a happy ride with a police officer where we are subjected to multiple small episodes in his life.

Bottomline: One man show.

3.5/5    

Charlie

My review: Charlie

Many movies you enter fresh and come out with a headache but while watching "Charlie" I entered with severe headache but came out very fresh and elated. It is such a feel good movie that is made with some special powers to infuse positive energy in the viewers. It is not your conventional movie that can be confined into a particular genre. It defies these phoney boundaries that is part and parcel of screenplay writing. It is a thriller at one point, it becomes a romantic comedy at another, a sentimental drama at yet another and an abstract fantasy at some point too.

Having been brought up with stories where the male protagonist is the one who always drives the story forward, "Charlie" is a pleasant deviant where female lead does it. She is there right from the first frame till the last, she is one who goes in search of the almost angelic persona, a genie in the form of human named Charlie. It is an audacious role reversal of sorts that can only be carried forward by a power-packed performer like Parvathy, an inspired piece of casting that. It is her movie, where she is the protagonist, narration is in her point of view and the emotions of the movie is all her's. Dulquer Salman's is mostly an extended cameo of sorts, which warrants special appreciation for him being so selfless and generous.    

Movie though progresses sluggishly in the first half traversing many a genres and keeping the viewers guessing about the course it is going to take, second half just fills the viewers with overwhelming positive energy that at the end you just stand up and applaud in elation at the happenings. There are two specific scenes that just brings tears of joy and reflex applause from the viewers. One when Kunjappan meets his long lost love of his life, the other when the lead finally meet each other and their mischievous banter through to the surprise tiny little twist. This is the type of movie making that just engulfs and sucks in the viewers into the narrative flow that you long for that state of ecstasy to stay for ever. 

As I have mentioned earlier, "Charlie" is an out and out Parvathy movie. She has dished out yet another power-packed treat. Her emotive skills are totally in a different league altogether when compared with her unidimentional contemporaries. It is yet another impressive addition to her already terrific resume. Dulquer on the other hand has nothing much to do. In the limited scope that the movie offers he has acquainted himself credibly. Movie boasts of quiet a list of power packed performers as its support cast who all lend that extra to the movie's final impact. 

Martin Prakkat, after his impressive "ABCD", has once again proven that he is adept in handling movies of feel good themes. He  also shows  he is a maker who believes in subtle portrayal of emotions and the one who trusts the intelligence of the viewers. The two aforementioned scenes are perfect examples for this claim of mine.

On the whole,  "Charlie" a very well made feel good movie with power packed performances from its cast with Parvathy leading from the front.

Bottomline: Cinematic ecstasy 

4/5 

Iyobinte Pusthakam

My review: Iyobinte Pusthakam

Amal Neerad's "Iyobinte Pusthakam" is a visual treat. With the cinematographer and director in Amal Neerad competing with one another it is a field day for the audience to devour a period drama with ample dose of action, suspense and thrills. Aided with a solid script by  Gopan Chidamabaram, Amal has trasnformed it into epic proportions by his characteristic making, both visually and cerebrally. The intelligence of the writer is evident from the seamless confluence of the story with some of the significant historical events that happened during the period between 1900 and 1976, the timeline of the film's story. 

Though movie ambles along at a leisurely pace it does so with purpose. There is hardly any digression from the plot except two unwarranted songs in the second half. The focus with which the story is told keeps your interest glued on the screen. Towards the end the gore gets a bit over done but story of jealousy, deceit, revenge and infidelity warrants it nonetheless. 

Lal is the fulcrum around whom the whole movie travels and he has lived the character of Job aka Iyob with perfection. The various shades of his character as it evolves from a slave to servant to finally becoming a master himself and his eventual decline and demise are wonderfully brought on the screen by the veteran. Fahad Fazal as Iyob's youngest son does a terrific job himself with his understated histrionics in contrast with that of his elder brothers.    

Jayasuriya is a revelation in his role of a conniving businessman with his cool visage and coldblooded smile that leaves you dumbfounded. Padmapriya sizzles in a mysterious role while Isha Sharvani has nothing much to do. Both Chemban Vinod Jose and Jinu Joseph as the two elder evil sons of Iyob are terrific in their roles. Reenu Mathew, Lena, Srijith Ravi and Vinayan along with a long support cast do their parts to perfection. Overall the performance of the actors in the movie is terrific and is one of the prime reason why the movie leaves you with a lasting impression.

Neha S Nair and Yakzan Gary Pereira's musical score and background score complements the narrative vision of the writer and director. As said earlier, Amal's cinematography is one of the biggest pluses for this movie. Movie is technically one of the best ever to have come out of Malayalam film industry. Movie is fertile  with lost of memorable shots aided amply by the lush locales of Munnar and the western ghats. 

On the whole, "Iyobinte Pusthakam" is a well made movie with a clear cut narration aggrandized by terrific making. 

Bottomline:  A visual treat with some cerebral topping. 

3.5/5

Money Ratham

My review: Money Ratnam

"Money Ratnam" is a typical mass masala entertainer that gets released during a festive season. Written by Anil Narayanan and Ajith C Lokesh, movie is directed by Santhosh Nair. Fahad Fazil is in his finest form delivers yet another entertaining performance in this road movie that keeps the audience in good humor for about two hours. Though the movie gets more and more over the top and logic-less towards the end, audience are treated to a good measure of fun uptil then that one can overlook these frailties that crop up.  

Movie moves at a good pace with the humor having a constant underpinning throughout the narration. There are quiet a few sequences that keeps you laughing out loud and few others which are down right silly. But the pleasantness that the movie exudes make it for a happy viewing. It is not a path-breaking effort by any  means but not a head-breaking one either. 

As mentioned earlier Fahad Fazil is into his elements. With every outing of his he is just growing in his stature as a versatile actor. This movie is a revelation for him to showcase his mastery over comedy which is so effortlessly done. Nivedha Thomas has nothing much to do but with whatever opportunity she has got she acquaints herself well. Aarthi has a nice cameo.

Movie is technically brilliant. Neil D'Cunha's shots are glossy. On the whole, "Money Ratnam" is a one time watch, two hours of sublime entertainment, worth the money. 

Bottomline: Fahad is having fun, we too. 

3/5

Peruchazhi

My review: Peruchazhi

Arun Vaidyanthan's "Peruchazhi" has an intersting plot but the execution is that like the school kids' skit. Though he right away requests the audience to switch off the mobile and logic, the happenings are so juvenile that it would be difficult for any grown-up for that matter any kid with an IQ of more than 90 to savour this parody. Implausible situation, infantile scenarios and tomfoolery marks the two and half hour running time of this so-called political satire.  

Only saving grace of the movie is the dialogues which are witty most of the times and the people who gets to mouth it, Baburaj and Aju Varghese. They save this sinking ship from drowning and are the only reason why any sane person could sit through this inane movie. 

Mohanlal tries his might to stay afloat above all the ridiculous and  childish scenes which is quiet sad to see. A talented actor he is, it is bad that he has come down to this level. Wish he gets back on track from the dismal year he is having post "Jilla", "Mr.Fraud" and now this. Baburaj is the rock-star of the movie. He is terrific and keeps the audience in splits with his combination of slapstick as well as dialogue oriented comedy. Aju Varghese forms a perfect foil for him, the duo are just comical. Mukesh is once again typecast while Ragini Nandwani don't have much to do. Poonam Bajwa sizzles in a cameo. 

Arora's music is good, studiously follows the commercial cinema template with hero-worshiping rap-theme to boot. Arvind Krishna's cinematography is colorful and technically movie is of high standards.

On the whole, if one make no bones about lowering his/her intelligent quotient couple of notches below then "Peruchazhi" is the film for you. For the more saner people, SKIP is the word.

Bottomline: Nibbles away your brain !

2/5

Munnariyippu

My review: Munnariyippu

The writer-director who is also the cinematographer of the movie, Venu gives an indication of things to come right at the outset. The initial 3-4 minutes of "Munnariyippu" that one gets to see on screen is a dead lizard being dragged by some 15-20 ants on a wall as the titles appear. By this long shot which is terrifically shot the director achieves two things at one stroke. First he prepares the audience for the pace at which his narration is going to be for the next two hours as well as he underlines the fact that one character in this movie is going to be dragged by some others into something he/she is "dead" against. 

Movie is one of those rare ones where you experience rather than watch things unfold on screen. As the movie is told in the point of view of Anjali Arakkal played by Aparna Gopinath the audience too travel along as she experiences her thirty days with Raghavan, convicted for life who just gets out of prison reluctantly. We experience the surprises, expectations, happiness, frustrations that she goes through in her endeavor in making him write his life story for a publishing house. Half an hour into the movie the predominant emotions that Anjali and in turn the audience we go through is that of frustration by the activities or rather the lack of it from Raghavan. The director has stuck gold in getting his pace of storytelling exactly for the right emotions to resonate in the audience. As a result the end is something that would jolt you out of your seat as it does for the movie's female protagonist. 

 Mammooty has once again proved that all he needs is one shot to usurp all the accolades in his favor. The power-packed performer gets his due in the last few seconds of the movie which is more than sufficient for you to get awestruck. Who else can make your spine chill with such a casual smile in the end. Aparna Gopinath is actually the one who calls the shots right through the movie which only a capable actress like her could manage. 

"Munnariyippu" is a movie that needs its audience to invest patience in ample measures for them to enjoy the experience.It is excellent that the writer, director and the cinematographer of the movie is all the same person. Venu has successfully translated the written work on screen  and has presented to us a visually appealing movie with lots of long shots that captures the emotions of the actors so tellingly yet in the most unassuming manner. Though the movie gives you a art-house feel, it is by far one of the most terrific visual movie where the dialogues take a back seat. Bijibal's background score further accentuates the movie's eerie feel.   

On the whole, "Munnariyippu"  is an experience not a movie which is a throwback to the bygone golden era of Malayalam cinema. 

Bottomline: Awestruck !!

4/5 

Avatharam

My review: Avatharam

"Avatharam", directed by Joshiy starring Dileep and Lakshmi Menon is a bland action thriller that has nothing new to offer. Age old revenge drama with stale romantic -comedy of the first half and cliched action thriller in the second half fails to get off the mark from the word go. Nothing in this movie is new to be seen. Dileep tries to spice up his role from inspirations from his past successful movies but sadly nothing much moves the audience. It is as if everyone has just gone through their motions when they were making this insipid affair.

Other than the distracted Dileep, movie also has Laskhmi Menon riding on her terrific form in Tamil industry in the most banal role of  her career so far. She has sparse screen-space and that too is under-cooked. Others in the cast perfectly fit the contrivances that the writer Vyasan Edavanakkad has let out unabashedly. Technically movie is good, well shot by R.D.Rajasekhar. Deepak Dev's music doesn't have anything to go by as far as the novelty is concerned.  

After the successful "Run Baby Run", Joshiy seems to have stuck on his trough with this one being the third straight washout from him. On the whole, "Avatharam" is boring movie. Period.

Bottomline: A tepid affair. 

2/5

Vikramadithyan

My review: Vikramadithyan

Lal Jose known for his feel good family entertainers is at it again with his latest release "Vikramadhithyan". Taking up a simple story weaving an interesting screenplay with some twists and turns with lots of emphasis on the human values and feel-goodness is Lal Jose's forte. "Vikramadithyan" is yet another venture in that vein that has a simple story told tastefully in an interesting manner leaving the audience cheerful in the end. He joins hands with Iqbal Kuttipuram after the immensely satisfying "Diamond Necklace". 

It is a potpourri of family sentiment, friendship, romance, bromance, jealousy, coming-of-age, and mass elements mixed delectably with such precision and taste. Hence it is a perfect recipe for a lazy afternoon family get-together. Time and again Jose is proving that simplicity is the most endearing thing not only in life but also in cinema that can evoke awe and interest as well as fascination when presented honestly. There is not even a single scene which one can call as over the top. Subtlety is the movie's USP which transcend every aspect of the making. 

Dulquer Salman is finally out of his comfort zone and plays the role of rustic and errant Adhithya with gay-abandon. It is such a refreshing change to see Dulquer in such a breezy and mass role. He carries the movie in his shoulders and has done it with aplomb. Unni Mukundan as suave yet kindhearted Vikram is also good. Though not fully out of his comfort zone he is getting better. Namitha Pramod is adorable in her role of Deepika Pai who make up the lead trio. Anoop Menon is terrific espousing villainy in the most subtle manner possible. Lena and others in the support cast have also done their parts well. Nivin Pauly enthralls in a terrific cameo towards the end. 

Bijibal's songs and background score are apt for the situation in  which they appear while Jomon T. John's cinematography is brilliant. Movie has a lot of wonderful visuals which are vibrant and rich in color. 

On the whole, "Vikramadithyan" is a simple movie with subtle performances that elevate it to a thoroughly enjoyable sphere for the entire family.  

Bottomline: Hard work pays.  

3.5/5

Bangalore Days

My review: Bangalore Days

Most of the times you would want to write a review as soon as you have seen the movie if either you liked it very much or if it is very terrible. Most of the movies will fall into this category. Every now and then comes a movie which is neither good nor bad that you would not get any motivation to write a review for the same. It's been almost 2 weeks since I have watched "Bangalore Days", but only now I am motivated enough to write a review, for the heck of it, more than anything else. 

Written and Directed by Anjali Menon, "Bangalore Days" is too long for starters. The leisurely pace with which it is staged gets tiring after a point. Not that there is something in it for the director to have deliberately chosen this pace. Story about the lives of three cousins (who are more of best buddies) when they are in Bangalore could have made a bit better with lifelike experiences coupled with imaginative characters  rather than the maker taking refuge in the age old cliches of Indian cinema. 

 A conformist, a rebel and an ambivalent, make up the trio of lead characters and they end up confronting what they ought to according to the long laid template of movies of this type. A conformist in the real bad world of ruthless people learns his lessons the hard way before he himself turns a rebel by challenging the traditions that he conformed to all these years by marrying a foreigner, who herself is a rebel having adapted to a foreign culture disowning her own. But still he gets what he wanted, a girl who lives her life extolling the tradition, values and culture of Kerala. Nivin Pauly is brilliant in his portrayal of Krishnan PP aka Kuttan, although it is one of the most ridiculously typecast role you could think of, a Malayalee software engineer form rural Kerala in Bangalore bumbling his way to glory. 

Next template is Dulquer Salman's  Arjun aka Aju. A rebel, who is an impulsive novelty seeker, a byproduct of early parental discord and broken family, he ought to conform once he falls in love. What else can change a rebel, other than our age old love for a timid, innocent girl (who is also physically challenged to milk the lachrymal glands). Only solace is that the director some how managed to avoid the airport climax, albeit for the sake of being different, let have the climax when the lady is about to alight the taxi heading towards airport, so much for the novelty. But again Parvathy shows her class in the "mother of all cliche" role. Dulquer is terrific. 

The third story is as ambivalent as its character, Divya Prakash aka Kunju. Nazriya has done a pretty decent job in this role. As a part conformist- part rebel Divya, who settles for a safe arranged marriage yet has the audacity for a fag right before the nuptial, one gets a bit disappointed with the amount of time she lets herself to get treated like she gets. And Fahad Fasil's Shiva is another set piece, "once bitten twice shy". 

Movie has a wonderful musical score by Gopi Sunder. "Mangalyam" song is an instant hit. Sameer Tahir's cinematography is terrific. And one must appreciate the cinematographer-director duo for refraining from undue gimmickry in the form of using different color tones for the three main characters, an irritant which people are employing regularly these days. 

On the whole, "Bangalore Days" is way too long, especially since the purpose is only eavesdropping on the life of people we have been seeing in movies since time immemorial.

Bottomline: Mundane days. 

2.5/5 

How Old Are You

My review: How Old Are You

It is difficult to miss the similarities in its basic premise and the character arcs protagonist's family members with that of "English Vinglish". Just like Sri Devi tried to make a comeback, successfully at that with the former, "How Old Are You" (HOAY) is Manju Warrier's attempt at return to the big screen after a long sabbatical. But unlike "English Vinglish", HOAY is more down to earth and more realistic. There is hardly any over-the-top cinematic moment or a bid sermonizing in the end where the protagonist asserts her views on her family. This simplistic and minimalistic approach to the movie making and powerful yet effortless portrayal by the lead actors make this comeback vehicle a jolly good ride with enough food for the thought of the viewers, without remotely being preachy.   

As the vigour and courage of the youth gets submerged by the mundane routine of the adulthood, the ability of the mind to dream gets drowned in the ocean of stagnation. The threshold for emotional numbness reaches its peak, but when the threshold is breached then it can either lead to eruption of emotional volcano or mind regressing to the previous phase of development. Not everyone can fight the two and remain calm and composed to aspire for a new beginning and pursuing new goals at that age. Our protagonist Nirupama Rajeev exactly does that with a bit of help from her soul-mate who has seen her from close quarters as a doer rather than a passivist. Thus HOAY portrays the lives of millions of middle aged working women who loose their dreams in the midst of chasing the dream of their loved ones. HOAY is one of the best coming-of-age or a introspective movie that has graced Indian cinema. "Queen" and "English Vinglish" come a distant second. 

It is a terrific comeback for Manju Warrier. She could not have hoped for a better script for her return to the big screen. And her emotive skills are intact, in fact one must say has got polished with age. The subtlety and effortless emotive skills come to the forefront. Even after she makes a point, the body language and swagger of a demure housewife still stays but the new found confidence in her own abilities and pride of having accomplished something shows. It is difficult to bring about these subtleties in one's acting, but Manju has just managed it with flair. For her character to shine it need a perfect hard rock to polish it, Kunchacko Boban is exactly that rock. His rock solid performance and the actor's understanding of the script helps in magnifying the character arc of Manju. Kudos for him to play second fiddle to the female lead, that too a role with grey shades especially considering the purple patch he has stuck with his career off-late. Movie boats of power-packed performances  from all the support cast.

The makers have banked on the content more than technical wizardry. Movie is technically good. Gopi Sunder's musical score is a pillar of strength to the movie.

On the whole, "How Old Are You" is a must watch, cathartic for some, introspective for the others, thoroughly entertaining for the all. 

Bottomline: Brilliant and soulful. 

4/5

God's Own Country

My review: God's Own Country

"God's Own Country", yet another Malayalam movie presented in the hyperlink screenplay format, is a fast-paced thriller that handles a myriad of topical issues along the way. Vasudev Sanal has deftly handled the written matter of Arun Gopinath, Anish Francis and Praveen Kumar to provide the viewers with wholesome entertainment. Though movie has its moments of over-the-top-heroism, the presentation is such that one may overlook the same in the pace with which things happen. Same holds true as far as the logical loopholes are concerned. 

Movie has three main plots intertwined with many subplots with these main plots spicing up the narrative. Though the movie has so many plots and subplots, at no point in time one might get confused, the credit goes to the writers as well the director. The difference in the colour tone of the frames which the makers have employed to differentiate the three main plots starts off well but after a point gets redundant. However the seamless confluence of all the plot in end is in itself a testimony to the intelligence of the writers. 

The ensemble cast full of talented actors enriches the narrative a great deal. Fahad Fasil is effervescent as ever, this time trying his hand on action and he comes out well. Sreenivasan in another author backed role does his part with aplomb while Lal in an underplayed role once again proves the prowess of the veteran. Mythili and Lena give credibility to their roles. 

Gopi Sunder's background score lends more than a helping hand in keeping the narrative engrossing. Technically movie is as good as any movie of any other language. Aravind Krishna and Arun James are the cinematographers. 

On the whole, "God's Own Country" is a fast paced entertainer that will leave you breathless in the end. 

Bottomline: Fast and furious 

3.5/5

Law Point

My review: Law point

Lijin Jose's "Law Point", written  by Devadas is a suspense drama that take its own time to the point where the twist is revealed. The twist too is not that a strong one that might give the audience a jolt. If one was open to the possibilities and had a keen eye on the proceedings, the twist might not come as a surprise. The screenplay is a long drawn out keeps ambling along at a snail pace until the point when the twist arrives.

 First half starts off promisingly on an interesting premise but soon the movie changes its focus becomes a road movie all of a sudden. Then after the intermission the flashback portions with all its cliched occurrences (may be intentionally so) will test one's patience. Finally when you resign yourself for a cliched ending, the twist happens, but one can't help but have a feeling of wanting for more. May be a more radical thinking or a more heavier twist might have made matters better.  

Kunchako Boban is good as the intelligent advocate Sathya who thinks he can get away with his intelligent play totally unaware that he himself is being taken for a ride. Namitha Pramod's role does evoke queations in one's mind initially when you see there is not much substance in it but towards the end the importance of the role just manifest itself onscreen. Good support cast have given credible support to the narration.

Technically movie is good. Bijibal's background score amplifies the narrative strength of the writer. On the whole, "Law Point" is an average movie. One needs loads of patience to sit through it with only solace being its climax. 

Bottomline: Mostly pointless...

3/5  

1 by Two

My review: 1 by Two

Backed by impressive set of films "Ee Adutha Kaalathu", "Left Right Left", Arun Kumar Aravind turns up with his latest offering  "1 by Two" written by Jeyamohan, starring Fahad Fazil, Murali Gopi and Honey Rose Verghese. A psychological thriller, movie explores the psyche of a patient affected by the dissociative identity  disorder (multiple personality disorder) and touching the illegal drug testing in human patients along the way. 

The screenplay is taut and keeps you engrossed on the proceedings until the last 15 minutes or so when the movie turns filmy. Otherwise the suspense if neatly built up and the psychological aspects are also well tought out and performed. Movie's real star is Murali Gopi who outshines all others with his terrific performance. It is one of the best from him yet and the nuances with which he brings out subtle changes in the various personalities be it the body language, facial expression or the dialogue delivery is astounding. Not in every movie in which Fahad Fazil is also there would you see someone outshining him. But here Murali effortlessly does that.  

Fahad Fazil's is more of an extented cameo, but he too excels in the limited time space he is on screen. Honey Rose has nothing much to do while the support cast perform their level best. But it the writer's overzealous approach of trying to showcase the mental makeup of each and every character which makes it tiring for the viewers after a point. 

Gopi Sunder's background score thrills while Jomon Thomas' cinematography gives it a classy feel. The movie is technically rich.

The writer seems to have done a good deal of research on the medical terms and lingo. However too much of dialogues in language other than Malayalam including English and Kannada and loads of medical and psychological conversation might deter the wider audience from enjoying the movie holistically.  

On the whole, "1 by Two" is a neatly packaged psychological thriller with terrific performance from Murali Gopi.

Bottomline: 1 man show. 

3.5/5  

Om Shanthi Oshaana

My review: Om Shanthi Oshaana

Rarely we get to see a love story told from the female protagonist's point of view in the mainstream commercial format. Jude Anthany Joseph has attempted precisely that in "Om Shanthi Oshaana" with inputs  from Midhun Manuel Thomas in the story and screenplay. It is astonishing how well the duo have understood the psyche of the teenage love from  the girl's perspective which has been the domain of female writers and directors usually. And to give us a thoroughly enjoyable movie that entertains is no mean task. 

First half is breezy and well paced. The exuberance of the teenage love, the attempts that a girl may take to impress her man, the gradual change in the persona and temperament that accompanies with the realization of having fallen for someone are all well executed. Aided with crisp and witty dialogues and comical interludes as well as the scenes that can be categorized as "cinematic memes" make up for a jolly good ride for the first one hour and ten minutes. 

Post interval though the movie begins to lag a little, as the exuberance of the adolescence gives way to the new found maturity of the young adulthood of our female protagonist, Pooja Mathew played very well by Nazriya Nazim. Now the methods become more contrived with occasional sprinkling of brilliance here and there. As one gets to settle for the mundane somber ending, the makers spring in a surprise to leave everyone happy in the end. To sum it up, the movie though has its share of ups and downs, the ups are more and so enjoyable that they don't allow you to focus much on the downs, hence in the end you come out with a happy satiated feel. 

  

Nivin Pauly actually doesn't have much to do. Though it is awfully skewed towards the female lead, Nivin manages to grab the eyeballs with his matured and restrained act. But the movie is through and through a Nazriya Nazim movie, almost giving you the feel of as if its been written solely for her. And she has utilized the platform provided to her well. Not that every other day actresses get these types of opportunities. One would have anticipated playing her age would have been much more easier than the mature part but she gets too cutesy at certain points while playing the teenage character. Movie has a rich talented support cast. Aju Varghese is brilliant with many get-ups of his as David Kanjani. 

Movie has pleasant music and background score by Shaan Rahman and eye-shooting camera work by Vinod Illampally. On the whole, "Om Shanthi Oshaana" is a thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy and  coming-of-age  story told in the female protagonist point of view.

Bottomline: Pick of the Valentine season.

3.5/5 

Oru Indian Pranayakatha

My review: Oru Indian Pranayakatha

"Oru Indian Pranayakatha" follows the template of a regular feel-good Sathyan Anthikad movie. Seasoned film-maker has directed this movie written by Ikbal Kuttipuram. Movie gives you a masala feel with romance, family sentiments, politics, comedy and morality issues spiced up proportionally aimed at providing a wholesome fare to the family audience which is Sathyan's target audience. He succeeds in this regard. But the connoisseurs of cinema may feel let down by the end result. 

Enjoyable dialogues replete with sarcasm and wit marks the first half where politics and comedy takes the front seat. Fahad Fazal is in his zone throughout this half, keeping the audience in good humour. Second turns senti but still the humour is always kept in the background. Also the makers have kept the mush and melodrama abeyance which is a big relief.

Fahad makes this movie enjoyable to a large extent. If not for him it would have been difficult to sit through. He is terrific as Siddarth, the youth wing leader of a political party that resembles one of the leading parties in the state. Amala Paul is also good in her role. She gets to play a more matured role and she has done it with perfection. The support cast and the casting has been done nicely, deserves mention. Especially the younger versions of Amala Paul's parents are cast well resembling the older actors. 

Vidyasagar's music is a strong support for this movie. His songs are already a huge hit. Pradeep Nair's cinematography is apt for the story and director's vision on the making. 

Movie is tad too long and the sloppy second half reinforces that feel. Also the making could have been a bit more crisper. On the whole, "Oru Indian Pranayakatha" is a one-time watch mainly for Fahad Fazal. 

Bottomline: Average Katha of a contrived Pranaya.   

2.5/5 

Drishyam

My review: Drishyam

Following his super-hit thriller "Memories" Jeethu Joseph comes with his next movie "Drishyam", Starring Mohanlal and Meena in the lead. Defying genre, movie cuts across family drama and suspense thriller mode. Unlike usual thrillers which follow whodunnit or crime mystery mould, in "Drishyam" Jeethu focuses more on the aftermath of a crime and the psychology of the families involved on the either side. Also the interesting cat and mouse game played out with intelligence flowing on both the sides make it an engrossing watch. 

First half flows like a warm mountain stream effortlessly. Warmth, tenderness, day to day humour and family values gets detailed without much tedium in the first half. Also along the way many trivial details gets sprinkled that helps putting the pieces together in the later half. Hence though the pace is laid back the script keeps you in its leash throughout. By the intermission point the movie gets into a more serious mode with a jolt that happens just before the half way point. 

Second half is a roller-coaster ride that keeps the adrenaline pumping with the twists and turns and the surprises that get revealed all along. The success of the writing is seen the manner in which the viewers' mind get jolted every time police tries to close in on the suspects. Here almost everyone wishes that the suspects somehow manage to escape from the net thrown at them. The strength of the writer in Jeethu Joseph is in the forefront. 

Mohanlal has underplayed but the effect that it has on the viewers in humongous. It is unimaginable anyone else could have made George Kutty so endearing and at the same time getting the viewers root for him so effortlessly in the end. Credit is due to both the writer as well to the actor for making a middle-class rural family man a mass hero without any commercial trappings. Meena brings in all the experience she has garnered all these years to full use. She lives every inch the role of a naive housewife.

 Ansiba Hassan and Esther, who play the kids in the household are fantastic. They have integral parts to play in the narrative. They have enacted their roles with aplomb without losing the childishness that we often see in mainstream cinema. Kalabhavan Shajon is equally good as Sahadevan, a role with grey shades. Asha Sarath and Siddique does their parts admirably. The whole support cast have done their parts to perfection. 

Anil Johnson's background score keep up with the thrills in the second half while leave a pleasant taste in the first part. His score adds strength to the narrative succeeding in keeping the viewers engrossed. Sujith Vaassudev has captured the movie with as much simplicity required to the script as possible. Instead of taking recourse to undue gimmickry in the pursuit of showing all his wares, he has absorbed the mood of the content and captured it accordingly. Movie is technically suited to the narrative.

On the whole, "Drishyam" though released in the fag end of the year would easily be anointed  the best movie of the year by a fair margin. 

Bottomline:A fresh engrossing narrative. 

4/5

Thira

My review: Thira

After his immensely successful "Thattathin Marayathu " Vineeth Sreenivasan's next movie "Thira" deals with a topical issue of child trafficking. Scripted by Rakesh Mantodi "Thira" has Shobhana as the protagonist along with Dhyan Sreenivasan. Backed by a strong script, excellent cinematography by Jomon T.John, brilliant background score by Shaan Rahman and power-packed performance from the experienced Shobhana, Vineeth has executed the movie with aplomb keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats for the period of two hours. 

Movie deals with the dirty nexus of child trafficking, their modus operandi and their means of going about things. Though not bereft of cinematic liberties and cliches "Thira" keeps you engaged at the same time not transgressing much from realism too much. Also the movie is multilinguistic with ample dose of Hindi, Tamil and Kannada dialogues which serves to keep up with the realism but might off put many though most these are subtitled. 

The movie moves at a brisk pace. Technically the movie is top-class. Jomon T John's visuals are right up with the best of the best. Shaan Rahman's background score and songs aptly support the narrative. At places they even elevate the impact of certain scenes. 

Shobhana rocks in the role of Dr Rohini Pranab whose quest for truth leads to her engaging herself in yet another rescue mission. With all her experience this role might not have extracted much sweat from her. It is a pleasure to watch her on screen after a while. Even at this age she looks radiant and graceful as ever. Dhyan Sreenivasan just about manages to go about playing his role of a brother in search of his sister who gets kidnapped by the traffickers right under his nose. He however needs to hone up his emotive skills. 

On the whole, "Thira" is a well made taut thriller spiced up by topnotch making.

Bottomline: Engrossing watch. 

3.5/5