This is the first Malayalam film after Drishyam (2013) where some of the audience got up and applauded during the end credits. And the another great thing about this sweet little dramedy is that an evening show in the cinema theater (INOX) was houseful, which is a rare occurrence in Mumbai.
Mahesh (Faasil) is a small-time photographer who lives with his aging father in a town located in the hilly district of Idukki in Kerala. In love with a girl (Anusree) whom he wishes to marry and settle down with, things are going generally good for Mahesh until when he fatefully gets involved in an unrelated street fight, ultimately gifting him a black eye and several bruises along with ounces of shame for having been beaten up by a nobody in front of his own people in the middle of the town where his studio sits. What follows is an unabashed intention of seeking vengeance, but has Mahesh got the balls?
The most interesting element about the film is inarguably the butterfly effect which causes the street fight. And watching it unfold is the most delightful thing you will see in a Malayalam film all year. How Mahesh gathers courage to find the guy who beat him up and to retaliate just to show that he's a man with dignity. Aggressive as it may sound, the screenplay is nothing but comic. The humor timing is perfect, and with the characters delivering one crispy dialogue after another, you will surely roll down the aisle laughing. The first act is full of genuine and creative comedy, while the second act takes a virulent turn but still keeping us hooked. By virulent, do not visualize gore or violence, but Mahesh's audacity to challenge his nemesis as he prepares to fight him and settle scores.
The film even teaches you two or more things about love and photography (or any profession for that matter), educating you that if you move forward with your heart and wait for the right time, things WILL happen in your favor.
What a person goes through when life turns upside down and when reality hits that one is nothing but a loser in life is the central theme of the film. How Mahesh bounces back is a pleasure to watch. Faasil is fantastic as he plays the typecast role with great finesse. Happy to see Anusree climbing up the ladder, and lesser-known Aparna Balamurali doing a good job. However, it is not because of the performance of one or two cast members that the film ejects pleasure bulbs, but because of how well the supporting cast have been directed. Soubin Shahir is amazing, no doubt.
The use of silence between and during the sequences is another highlight of the film as the story maneuvers between comedy, drama, romance, and thrills. Nicely composed songs and fine camera work drives the 2-hour long film into a palpable work of art. Special mention for the titles and a sorta ambiguous ending, providing the audience a sugary taste in the mouth to relish the whole subject later.
BOTTOM LINE: Débutante Dileesh Pothan's Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a highly entertaining comedy drama that will make you rave about it to your friends just because you can go watch it again with them. Worth the ticket price.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Mahesh (Faasil) is a small-time photographer who lives with his aging father in a town located in the hilly district of Idukki in Kerala. In love with a girl (Anusree) whom he wishes to marry and settle down with, things are going generally good for Mahesh until when he fatefully gets involved in an unrelated street fight, ultimately gifting him a black eye and several bruises along with ounces of shame for having been beaten up by a nobody in front of his own people in the middle of the town where his studio sits. What follows is an unabashed intention of seeking vengeance, but has Mahesh got the balls?
The most interesting element about the film is inarguably the butterfly effect which causes the street fight. And watching it unfold is the most delightful thing you will see in a Malayalam film all year. How Mahesh gathers courage to find the guy who beat him up and to retaliate just to show that he's a man with dignity. Aggressive as it may sound, the screenplay is nothing but comic. The humor timing is perfect, and with the characters delivering one crispy dialogue after another, you will surely roll down the aisle laughing. The first act is full of genuine and creative comedy, while the second act takes a virulent turn but still keeping us hooked. By virulent, do not visualize gore or violence, but Mahesh's audacity to challenge his nemesis as he prepares to fight him and settle scores.
The film even teaches you two or more things about love and photography (or any profession for that matter), educating you that if you move forward with your heart and wait for the right time, things WILL happen in your favor.
What a person goes through when life turns upside down and when reality hits that one is nothing but a loser in life is the central theme of the film. How Mahesh bounces back is a pleasure to watch. Faasil is fantastic as he plays the typecast role with great finesse. Happy to see Anusree climbing up the ladder, and lesser-known Aparna Balamurali doing a good job. However, it is not because of the performance of one or two cast members that the film ejects pleasure bulbs, but because of how well the supporting cast have been directed. Soubin Shahir is amazing, no doubt.
The use of silence between and during the sequences is another highlight of the film as the story maneuvers between comedy, drama, romance, and thrills. Nicely composed songs and fine camera work drives the 2-hour long film into a palpable work of art. Special mention for the titles and a sorta ambiguous ending, providing the audience a sugary taste in the mouth to relish the whole subject later.
BOTTOM LINE: Débutante Dileesh Pothan's Maheshinte Prathikaaram is a highly entertaining comedy drama that will make you rave about it to your friends just because you can go watch it again with them. Worth the ticket price.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES