The movie has worked surprisingly well at some areas whereas pretty average on the other parts, else this could have been made magic. The songs and Bgm is good with the plot. The writing could have been better as the climax seems a little odd.
24 Reviews
MOTIVATIONAL
islemajmi4 May 2022
Excellent work by the whole cast and crew,and as always a work of perfectionist,brought up a good story and something which was buried in past ,a thing which a society doesn't accept,great work on focusing on that aspect,and a moral booster.
Indrajith, Ashwin Kumar & Amith Chakkalakkal ably achor this watchable sports drama!
nidhunmoviebuff31 January 2022
Malayalam has a hit-or-miss record with sports drama. While there have been notable hits like the gut-wrenching "Captain" (2018) and the heartwarming "Sudani from Nigeria" (2018), the industry usually struggles with this genre with some notable disappointments being "Karinkunnam 6's" (2016), "Finals" (2019) and most recently, "Kho-Kho" (2021). So, it was with this sense of tempered expectations that I approached Malayalam's first mainstream film on the sport of "tug-of-war" or "vadam vali" as it is known locally and I was pleasantly surprised that the film manages to entertain for the most part.
The story follows the history of the legendary real-life tug-of-war team called "Aaha Neeloor" which dominated the sport in the state for decades, being largely made up of quarry workers and other blue-collar labourers from rural Kerala. Indrajith stars as the quintessential sporting legend turned public enemy No.1 after choking in a final event, much like Shah Rukh Khan from "Chak De India" (2007). How a group of enterprising youngsters led by Amith Chakkalakkal's character recruit him to resurrect the long-forgotten team and regain their lost glory forms the rest of the story.
Indrajith putting in superlative performances is no longer a surprise and despite being given a restrained, more mature character, the actor resonates with you, often with just his eyes. Ashwin Kumar is electric as "Chenkan", rival and bête noire to Indrajith's character and delivers some of the best scenes in the movie single-handedly. Their rivalry and bids to outdo each other should, in fact, have gotten more screen time, such was the way the two actors were delightfully playing off each other.
Amith Chakkalakkal puts his heart and soul into the character and despite his limited acting ability, his physicality and determination especially in the tug-of-war sequences gave an aura of authenticity and heart to the character of the team captain. One hopes that this hard-working actor gets more mainstream roles down the road after delighting us all by bursting into the scene with the splendid "Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam" (2019).
The team requires praise for shooting the tug-of-war sequences in a hard-hitting and impactful manner. It is not the greatest sport to watch or shoot, yet the cinematographer Rahul Balachandran has done an excellent job in juggling between angles and perspectives while focusing on the athletes' efforts as well to effectively portray the sheer effort and force of will that goes into every pull.
Editor-turned-Director Bibin Paul Samuel builds a solid narrative, switching back and forth between present-day and the legendary heydays of the almost mythical team from yesteryear and uses the music from Sayanora Philip to add layers and punch to the narrative. Watch out for the adrenaline pumping "Kadamkadhayai" which brilliantly combines sporting motivation and class struggle thanks to peppy music and the intricate lyrics from Jubith Namradath.
However, despite its many highs, the movie is let down by a tame climax that feels rushed and lack of any conflict or a sense of redemption one hopes to see in sporting dramas. While Manoj K Jayan's "Aashan" (coach) character is initially promising, the director seems to forget to build him from thereon. The women characters in Megha Thomas and Santhy Balachandran are given precious little room to shine and because of the same, the two romance tracks in the movie never appear sincere or compelling.
Despite its many flaws, Aaha has its heart in the right place and focuses on the story of a long-forgotten but legendary team that captured the imagination of an entire set of downtrodden people, a tale that deserves to get the limelight. Indrajith, Ashwin Kumar and Amith Chakkalakkal deliver performances that paper over the cracks in an inconsistent screenplay. Set your expectations right and you won't be disappointed!
The story follows the history of the legendary real-life tug-of-war team called "Aaha Neeloor" which dominated the sport in the state for decades, being largely made up of quarry workers and other blue-collar labourers from rural Kerala. Indrajith stars as the quintessential sporting legend turned public enemy No.1 after choking in a final event, much like Shah Rukh Khan from "Chak De India" (2007). How a group of enterprising youngsters led by Amith Chakkalakkal's character recruit him to resurrect the long-forgotten team and regain their lost glory forms the rest of the story.
Indrajith putting in superlative performances is no longer a surprise and despite being given a restrained, more mature character, the actor resonates with you, often with just his eyes. Ashwin Kumar is electric as "Chenkan", rival and bête noire to Indrajith's character and delivers some of the best scenes in the movie single-handedly. Their rivalry and bids to outdo each other should, in fact, have gotten more screen time, such was the way the two actors were delightfully playing off each other.
Amith Chakkalakkal puts his heart and soul into the character and despite his limited acting ability, his physicality and determination especially in the tug-of-war sequences gave an aura of authenticity and heart to the character of the team captain. One hopes that this hard-working actor gets more mainstream roles down the road after delighting us all by bursting into the scene with the splendid "Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam" (2019).
The team requires praise for shooting the tug-of-war sequences in a hard-hitting and impactful manner. It is not the greatest sport to watch or shoot, yet the cinematographer Rahul Balachandran has done an excellent job in juggling between angles and perspectives while focusing on the athletes' efforts as well to effectively portray the sheer effort and force of will that goes into every pull.
Editor-turned-Director Bibin Paul Samuel builds a solid narrative, switching back and forth between present-day and the legendary heydays of the almost mythical team from yesteryear and uses the music from Sayanora Philip to add layers and punch to the narrative. Watch out for the adrenaline pumping "Kadamkadhayai" which brilliantly combines sporting motivation and class struggle thanks to peppy music and the intricate lyrics from Jubith Namradath.
However, despite its many highs, the movie is let down by a tame climax that feels rushed and lack of any conflict or a sense of redemption one hopes to see in sporting dramas. While Manoj K Jayan's "Aashan" (coach) character is initially promising, the director seems to forget to build him from thereon. The women characters in Megha Thomas and Santhy Balachandran are given precious little room to shine and because of the same, the two romance tracks in the movie never appear sincere or compelling.
Despite its many flaws, Aaha has its heart in the right place and focuses on the story of a long-forgotten but legendary team that captured the imagination of an entire set of downtrodden people, a tale that deserves to get the limelight. Indrajith, Ashwin Kumar and Amith Chakkalakkal deliver performances that paper over the cracks in an inconsistent screenplay. Set your expectations right and you won't be disappointed!
INTERESTING MOVIE...
DUDE617810 February 2022
Sad ending but It's best
rashidsaifudheen30 January 2022
it made us wanna scream aaha!
ngandacinema6 December 2023
The title says it all, Aaha! The film was a good watch, exciting and encouraging. Made you wanna scream 'Aaha' at every moment of the competition 😀
DELICIOUS
-Loved the attention to detail throughout the movie, from the scenery shots to the activities of the people, simply beautiful!
The cinematographer took his time to capture every aspect of the tug of war game. We were living the tug of war moments with the characters
-Ashwin Kumar aced his role, oh goodness! That anger, bitterness, and competitiveness on his face were just outstanding; he really brought out the tug of war spirit
-Kudos to the fight choreographer for designing and directing fabulous sequences 👏🏾
-Visual effects and score were just hmmm👌🏾
-One thing you can be sure to take out from Aaha is the inspiring lines to be courageous and embrace failure, we literally wrote down these lines on a sheet of paper😄
-We're clapping for the color grading team for giving Aaha the natural and organic touch it needed
BLAND
-The opening scenes introducing us to Ani draaagged...
-Indrajith Sukumaran, once again or many times again, gave us the same facial expression. There was no passion for the game
-Aaha, unfortunately, followed the narrative of typical sports movies that have a come-back champion who went through tragedy and now wants to train a team
-The abrupt ending was a bit rough...
DELICIOUS
-Loved the attention to detail throughout the movie, from the scenery shots to the activities of the people, simply beautiful!
The cinematographer took his time to capture every aspect of the tug of war game. We were living the tug of war moments with the characters
-Ashwin Kumar aced his role, oh goodness! That anger, bitterness, and competitiveness on his face were just outstanding; he really brought out the tug of war spirit
-Kudos to the fight choreographer for designing and directing fabulous sequences 👏🏾
-Visual effects and score were just hmmm👌🏾
-One thing you can be sure to take out from Aaha is the inspiring lines to be courageous and embrace failure, we literally wrote down these lines on a sheet of paper😄
-We're clapping for the color grading team for giving Aaha the natural and organic touch it needed
BLAND
-The opening scenes introducing us to Ani draaagged...
-Indrajith Sukumaran, once again or many times again, gave us the same facial expression. There was no passion for the game
-Aaha, unfortunately, followed the narrative of typical sports movies that have a come-back champion who went through tragedy and now wants to train a team
-The abrupt ending was a bit rough...
A nail-biting sports drama
jymaxtom20 November 2021
It's purely a theatre movie with amazing visuals and good pull back for theatre experience post vivid. Arguably the best sports drama so far in Malayalam.
Shows the depth of Indrajith as an actor. A good storyline with all the nail biting elements of a sports drama. Overall a good family entertainer.
Shows the depth of Indrajith as an actor. A good storyline with all the nail biting elements of a sports drama. Overall a good family entertainer.
Welcome back to the big screen
sureshdv-7652720 November 2021
Loved it!!!
aloshious-9323920 November 2021
Loved it!!! The sports drama AAHAA was quite exceptional.
The theaterical experience was so good, perfomances, cast, songs, direction They have done a great job escpecialy Indrajith and Amith.
They both nailed the show.
Must watch....
The theaterical experience was so good, perfomances, cast, songs, direction They have done a great job escpecialy Indrajith and Amith.
They both nailed the show.
Must watch....
Perfect Sportsman Movie in Malayalam
VishnuprasadKmenon27 January 2022
In Mollywood sports movies are very rare and that movies are below average movies. In that Aaha is the only one good movie which shows the real sportsman and challenging movie. Everything in the movie is Above the average level and Goosebumps for the views in every second of the movie. This movie is the face changer of Malayalam industry in Sports movies.
First of its kind sports drama in Malayalam movies
dwemteam24 November 2021
Sports movie - Family Movie - A complete engaging entertainer of the year..
The Movie is gripping 👍🏻
Movie like "Aaha" should watch in theatres..From the cinematography to sound mixing,this movie is purely a craft of its own kind..
The Movie is gripping 👍🏻
Movie like "Aaha" should watch in theatres..From the cinematography to sound mixing,this movie is purely a craft of its own kind..
Reviving the lost Olympic sport
beckykorah22 November 2021
The movie depicts the story of the lost Olympic game tug of war and the daily chores of the people associated with it.
A well directed movie which brings out all the elements of emotions together and keeps you stuck to your seat with all goosebumped moments.
Loved it. A rare masterpiece!!! Suitable for all audience and must watch for sports enthusiasts.
A well directed movie which brings out all the elements of emotions together and keeps you stuck to your seat with all goosebumped moments.
Loved it. A rare masterpiece!!! Suitable for all audience and must watch for sports enthusiasts.
Must watch sports drama
anniesofiya26 November 2021
A wonderful theatre experience
reginajestlin21 November 2021
The movie not only serves as an item of good
entertainment, but is also admirable in depicting the true essence of common people in Kerala , the social life issues of different generations are discussed in the most courageous way.
The background score is beyond compare ,wets your eyes and gives you goosebumps uncountable number of times!!
A Must watch Sports Entertainer !
The background score is beyond compare ,wets your eyes and gives you goosebumps uncountable number of times!!
A Must watch Sports Entertainer !
AAHA
alishyasaliraj24 November 2021
This movie is a sport related drama. Unlike other sports drama movies this movie is not lagging in time. And had one of the best theatrical experience. And they made the movie in such a way that the audience would be so engrossed in thw movie From the beginning to the end. Kudos to the team behind this amazing movie. All the work you all have done has paid off well! 👏🏻👏🏻
A well made sports movie
Asterix8313 February 2022
A must watch movie
mathewprincy24 November 2021
Aaha is a well crafted movie. First of all kudos to the makers and writer for selecting a sport like Tug of war. Brilliant performances, Excellent frames, music altogether a warm and heart touching movie. Don't miss it guys.
Kerala's best SPORTS drama.
varghesesince24 November 2021
Seeing how the climax of the new Indrajith Sukumaran film Aaha focuses on the spirit of the tug of war sport, I really wished it had a better build-up in the first half. Directed and edited by debutante Bibin Paul Samuel, Aaha is definitely not a lazy product. But it somewhere felt like an overwritten product that needed a better focus in the initial portions. The balancing between the game and the personal emotions of the character needed a little more fine-tuning.
The film is inspired by the story of Kerala's prominent tug of war team Aha Neeloor. Back in the '80s, they were this unbeatable team. But Geevarghese's team loses a crucial match due to the mistake of their front Koch. That mistake ended up in the dissolution of the Aha team. In the present day, Koch has left all his association with the tug of war and is living a lonely life after the demise of his wife. A young guy named Ani decided to create a team for Neeloor, and the story of the movie Aaha is the journey of that team which had Koch as its coach.
The film is inspired by the story of Kerala's prominent tug of war team Aha Neeloor. Back in the '80s, they were this unbeatable team. But Geevarghese's team loses a crucial match due to the mistake of their front Koch. That mistake ended up in the dissolution of the Aha team. In the present day, Koch has left all his association with the tug of war and is living a lonely life after the demise of his wife. A young guy named Ani decided to create a team for Neeloor, and the story of the movie Aaha is the journey of that team which had Koch as its coach.
Best Sports Drama
josephajijohn24 November 2021
Ahaa is the best sports Drama movie I have seen in a few years..the direction...acting visuals etc are the best. It revolves around the kerala sport Tug of War. Inspired from a real life team Ahaa Neelore...it brings you to the edge of your seat ..when it comes to the climax.
Mesmerizing
allanedwin28 January 2022
Aaha... Such wonder film and i loved the way of showing the technical side of the kabbadi... And a sports drama with this quality of making is fantastic..congrats to the director bibin bro and all the crew of the entire Aaha team😍😇😇
Feel good movie
sibinsam24 November 2021
Wonderfull theatre experience .A good family movie. A movie that focuses on feelings and emotions. This is not a movie with hero significance each and every character make our own spaces. Such a beautiful movie must watch.
Good Film
paulsonmta5 March 2022
Wow...Those who knows about the game tug of war will definitely like this. The plot for the movie is about the story of Aahaa Neeloor, a famous tug of war team near to Palai. The script writer tobit stays very near to them. He did a massive research about the team.
I like the movie...there is a piece of sentiments, excitement, fun and love(family). Good movie to watch with family.
I like the movie...there is a piece of sentiments, excitement, fun and love(family). Good movie to watch with family.
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