Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015) User Reviews

"A Fun-Filled Entertainer To Chill-Out This Summer"

[afsalthodupuzha · 7/10 · 12 April 2015]

I went into the Cinema halls after hearing mixed reviews about the movie from my friends being judgemental about a mediocre second half,but I must say I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and felt it as the best entertainer to come out from Mollywood till now,the calendar year.

Directed by newcomer G.Prajith 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie' is a delightful watch filled with natural humor throughout the narration,showcasing the 'Kola Mass' combo of Aju & Nivin who manages to pull out their best as far as the humor sequences are concerned.A neatly packed entertainer that never bores you for the running time of 141 minutes,OVS is undoubtedly the best from the bunch of recent Mollywood releases and even succeeds in putting forward a worthy message to the society towards the end of the movie.

Even though aimed at the youth,the movie has enough and more to cater to all the sections including families looking to relax for sometime this holidays,with the rollicking humor element and Dasan-Vijayanish chemistry between Aju Varghese and Nivin Pauly being successful in evoking laughs right from the word go towards the climax of the movie. All the comic sequences are situational and Vineeth Sreenivasan advertises his expertise in handling natural humor alike his talented father profoundly making use of simple situations that we all come across in our daily life.Most importantly their was a consistency in the humor element which managed to elate the atmosphere at times it looked to turn monotonous.

The storyline took a u-turn with the onset of second half giving it shades of an investigative thriller with the suspense element being treated well resulting in some twists and turns towards the end which came out really well on the screen.The narration was a bit shaky half way through the second half,but managed to come back to the right track towards the onset of the climax where it stick to its motive of providing a valuable message for today's youth.

Coming to the performances,Nivin Pauly was impressive in the lead role and excelled with his comic timing alongside Aju Varghese who was at his best giving out counters and witty one-liners that evoked unanimous laughs throughout the movie.Manjima Mohan was good even though her performance towards the climax ,esp the dubbing part felt too mediocre and substandard for a lead heroine.Vineeth Sreenivasan was really impressive with his cool performance an played his part really well.Among others VijayaRagahavan ,Neeraj Mdhav etc gave good support to the leads.

Music and BGM by Shan Rahman was perfectly tailored for the storyline and boosted the energy of the narration.All the songs have been picturiZed really well and placed at proper junctures of the narration.The technical side too was solid with crisp editing by Ranjan Abraham and beautiful visuals by Jomon.T.John being notable.

Overall,Oru Vadakkan Selfie is a simple,feel-good movie which offers more than enough to call it a 'Paisa Vasool Entertainer'.

Verdict::'Oru Vadakkan Selfie' is a clean entertainer loaded with generous natural humor that can satisfy all the sections of the audience.Even though not a fool-proof product,OVS has enough and more reasons to call it a pretty good entertainer to enjoy this festival season.Go for it and you will not be disappointed. Ma Rating::7.5/10 _Afsal

An entertainer with a poor plot :)

[sandyfy315 · 6/10 · 29 July 2015]

Even though the plot is 'stupid and flawed', and the movie looks 'listless and lifeless' at various junctures in the second half, there is no denying the fact that OVS offers an entertaining one-time watch. The main credit for the same should go to the pretty good first-half, loads of 'genuinely funny dialogues' throughout the movie and the wonderful Nivin Pauly - Aju Varghese combo supported very well by a 'bearable and decent act' from Vineeth Sreenivasan :)

Nivin Pauly's entertainers are usually devoid of any noteworthy plot to talk about ; but sadly the plot and the 'serious portions' are the main villains here:)

A definitely watchable movie for the young generation.

[rrkk-96379 · 8/10 · 29 September 2015]

First off, great cast. The characters were well played and are relatable. Another great story by Vineeth Sreenivasan. It is funny and it amused me throughout the movie. The older generation may not find it amusing though.

Even though the story is great the climax can only be rated mediocre. The movie gave a good message for the young generation. I loved the song "Enne Thallendammaava".

So is the movie watchable? Well, it depends. If you are a youngster. Yes!!!. If you are someone around 40 or above you won't find the movie amusing. But it's worth a shot.

Jack Tracker indeed

[sesht · 1 April 2015]

A trio of bumbling, completely inept friends are brought together, and while they try to make something out of their ineptitude, the eponymously titled vadakkan's selfie happens to them, and no one is spared from the resulting maelstrom.

Playing a loser is not new to Nivin, and this role of his is very similar to the one he played in '1983', that of a completely aimless, ambition-less drifter, who comes into his own quite by accident and happenstance.

As with most movies in this language (including one other flick I watched this week, called 'Ennum Eppozhum'), nothing much happens in the 1st half. But that's where the wool is pulled over our eyes. The lack of events unfolding and the bare-minimum setup are all a ploy yo keep us from guessing what transpires in the 2nd half, which ultimately turns out to be quite a substantial lot, where nothing is what it seems on the surface, and digging a bit can get you quite a lot, perhaps even more than you bargained for.

As with most of Vineeth Sreenivasan's writing (he wrote and directed 'Thira' last year), this one gets dark and serious as it progresses, but he also manages to creep in quite a few instances of lightening- up humor, and act as a welcome relief whenever the going gets dark and heavy.

2 instances of this that stood out to me, included one when Pauly's character calls his dad to kinda reach out, with hilarious consequences, and the 6 days/weeks conversation he has in Chennai with RJ Ramesh, in a cameo here.

Keeping it grounded is something the movie does well, except when it devolves into a mainstream flick with unnecessary song insertions, which happens on 2-3 occasions, and could have been edited out/cut- short/er.

Aju Varghese's character, as is typical when he's cast ('Kangani' is still one of his most hilarious characters rendered on screen in 'OSO') is played for laughs as the going proceeds, as is Vineeth's (dual duties for him on this one), but deceptively so in the case of the latter.

Nivin, like in 'Neram', proceeds to get more and more serious, in terms of his characterization at least, as the plot moves on, and has an arc that sees him evolve from how we saw him at the beginning.

There's a meta-aspect to the narrative, and some very innovative annotating/tagging during the beginning titles, at the intermission, and at the end-titles, that's suddenly dumped in favor of the overall narrative as the plot moves on, not necessarily a bad thing, but reduced the impact somewhat. I do wish they were used consistently, and they were quite similar to how the end-titles were done in 'Neram' (which was by far the best part about that movie, during the rendering of the 'Pista' song in that one).

Shaan Rahman's BG score, and a couple of numbers, are excellent additions to this technically competent effort, and help prop up the flick when it needs prodding.

Certain real locations used also give the movie a very nice lived-in feel, and this was one of those that was missing from something like 'Ennum Eppozhum', as I have covered in my thoughts over there.

For those who read between the lines (or, if you will, look underneath the surface, in movie parlance), there's a subtle message on digital identities and their use nowadays, a la David Schwimmer's 'Trust' headlined by Clive Owen, cast-against-type in that one (strangely, there is a reference to this actor in this flick, and I wonder if 'trust' inspired this work, especially when they included this aspect, though the 2 movies couldn't be more different).

All in all, an original effort, like most Malayalam flicks, and worth your effort/time/dough for catching it at the cinema. A good one- time watch.

A thoroughly enjoyable comedy thriller (7.5/10)

[devikabsree · 7/10 · 22 September 2019]

This is one of my favorite movies released in the 2010 plus years. It really entertained me - both as a comedy as well as a thriller. The theme in this movie is very relevant in the present day scenario where cyber crimes are becoming increasingly common. This is one of those movies that I would watch whenever it comes on the TV (provided I am free).

If I like it...It's a hit!!!!

[mspradeesh786 · 7/10 · 24 April 2015]

To start with Manjima fails to impress in her debut. The movie is hilarious with good performances from Nivin, Aju and Vineet and another of their friend (sorry-da…don't know your name). The movie goes at a slow pace. This movie depicts youth and college life. Aju was awesome in "Om Shanti Oshana" but if he does not diet …He will loose his fan followers in his upcoming movies. Nivin is getting better and better and Vineet excels in both script and cameo roles with ease. The script and making of the movie is above average but it still manages to keep you glued to the screen all the while. Expect for Manjima (knowing that it's her debut) the movie does justification to audiences who are go getters. The movie is worth a watch with your family this vacation. The climax scene of the movie is worth the wait and it also comes with a message for female face book users not to fall in love with strangers but you are unlikely to find a "Nivin Pauly" to rescue you in distress in real life. The choice is yours…It's your life buddy :D

Absolutely Hilarious!

[fahimay · 8/10 · 16 August 2016]

Don't you love it in a movie when the characters infuse energy and hilarity in your mind, that you keep guffawing with full vigour till the end of the movie? Oru Vadakkan Selfie has a coherent comedy track, interspersed with the daily troubles faced by unemployed bachelors. Nivin proves his versatility time and again, and can confidently boast of a promising future. Aju is amazingly endearing with craziness and wittiness personified. His screen presence itself provokes fits of laughter in the audience. Vineeth Sreenivasan's entry towards the second half is a pleasant surprise and quite enjoyable. The movie takes a slightly serious turn then but not without jabs of humour. The female lead looks suave and pleasant and her character contributes to the crux of the plot. The non-romantic sequences were quite healthy and refreshing; proves the fortitude of a movie without a love interest. The portrayal of the contemporary issue of internet cheating is dealt with nonchalance and matter-of- factness. A welcome break from serious plots...

A Pure Generation Y Composition. ♦ 54%

[nairtejas · 5/10 · 5 April 2015]

One always expects creative projects from this team who previously brought us films like Thattathin Marayathu (2012), Neram (2013), and 1983 (2014). Even this time around, they have unsurprisingly shoveled the story aside and focused on slapstick.

Umesh (Pauly) is a failure in life - failure in studies and failure in love. As a result, he hasn't earned respect from his friends or acquaintances, let alone his nuclear family. So to come out as a winner by leaving his failures behind, he tries his hand at his passion - cinema. While the story begins to move forward with a slow pace, it suddenly achieves a paradigm shift and changes track into becoming a pontificating drama about the internet life.

The screenplay starts with taking potshots at the lives and culture of today's youth that is more governed by the internet (read Facebook and WhatsApp, according to the film) and less by their conscience and life purpose. And that is the chief theme of the film. Umesh and his team (Varghese, Srinivasan) then get entangled in a cyber case involving Daisy (Mohan), a character that brings back the memories of a poorly made, Tamil, and Malayalam-dubbed film Asha Black (2014), which is about two young people who meet over the web and fall in love, of course with its parade of consequences.

Oodles of humor showers throughout the film, thanks to Srinivasan's good writing, coupled by some great performances by Pauly and Varghese. It is evident that the direction is amateurish and the actors have implemented heavy improvisation. Every time the film goes haywire, the screwball humor takes over. And that should be the deciding element if one chooses to watch it.

Engineering life is highly made fun of, which shows what the makers had in mind - to tell a story that will appeal to the youth and educate them about the perils of online presence and relationships. How Engineering students fail to understand the basics of life is another valid point the screenplay makes. But if one looks closely, there is no substance to hold on to in G. Prajith's debut feature. It is just slapstick, a brief, thrilling adventure, and a sermon. At the end, it becomes so obvious that the characters jump on your face and preach.

Pauly is a great actor and in here, he is back to what he does best - portray a middle-class guy with no purpose in life. Varghese is the comedian, while Srinivasan is the brains. It is real fun to watch Srinivasan's creativity unfold. Manjima Mohan looks like she rehearsed for the role watching VHS tapes of her debut film Priyam (late 90s), and thus, fails to impress. Music is good, but some songs looked out of place.

Adding to the cons is the fake production setup that lacks realism. There are numerous instances when the setup betrays the film of the conviction that it requires to make a point. The paradigm shift extends the comedy but it so works itself that the second half, which demands a serious turn of events, stumbles in its own wedge to eventually fall into a puddle. It cannot exactly be termed a drag, but the plot does stray outside its circle. Plus, it saddens one to learn that the comic journey was mounting up for a lowbrow inference.

BOTTOM LINE: While the world is battling self-inflicted solitary due to the web, this film comes as an old update with backward compatibility. All said and done, if you love slapstick humor then Oru Vadakkan Selfie is for you. It is a watchable comedy and does a good job, when it comes to comparing with other recent releases, and let's not get started on them. 5/10 - recommended for a one-time view.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Beautiful movie

[himanshudongre-62671 · 8/10 · 15 August 2020]

I don't know what to say , this movie is absolutely fantastic when you watch this movie you can think that you can predict it but it always just the opposite of what you've think in your mind it's just a wonderful movie. OMG Nivin Pauly is one of the best actors in our country. Hats off to the Malayalam industry.

The first half was mildly amusing, the second half was awful

[PimpinAinttEasy · 4/10 · 26 August 2015]

The first half of Oru Vadakkan Selfie was mildly amusing. But if you are honest to yourself, it is incompetent new generation actors with almost zero screen presence goofing around. Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese are amusing at times but their mediocrity is very apparent in some of the scenes. I would not be surprised if their performances looked respectable thanks to hard work in the editing room. Imagine having to watch Nivin and Aju without fast cuts or distracting background scores to cover up their inadequacies as actors.

Things fall apart completely when Vineeth Sreenivasan (who wrote the movie) tries to imitate his legendary father in the film's second half. He tries to model his role on some of his fathers greatest performances. The second half is particularly cringe worthy. The plump and expressionless heroine makes it almost unbearable to watch. Thank god she wasn't around in the first half. The uninspired message to young Facebook users at the end of the movie does not really complement the carefree first half in any way. It seems to have been added almost as an afterthought(just my impression). A token cautionary message at the end of a film that otherwise glorified the freewheeling antics of the young protagonists.

Also, the background score was quite annoying. It made you want to bang your head against a wall.

And why the hell was this film called Oru Vadakkan Selfie? Well, who cares?

Light-hearted movie

[kuriandione · 9/10 · 9 December 2019]

Easy going movie with malayalee humor at best. Story talks so much about how little things can become a big deal and how big deal can transform people. The way experience teaches nothing else does. Pretty realistic movie.

Frim GOOD to BAD and then to WORST

[mithunnsp · 1/10 · 21 July 2018]

Movie starts of nicely with good comedy and intros.And then movie takes an awful u turn. The later part of the movie has no relation with how it all began. It starts of somewhere and ends somewhere else. Avoidable...!!!

a good entertaining movie

[ashinantony · 8/10 · 30 March 2015]

i saw the movie today without much hope because some of my friends who watched the movie said it is just an average film. but according to me it is more than that. lead actors have done their roles well except the actress. she could have done a little bit more. Aju Varghese has a usual role as in other movies and he has done his part really well. Neeraj Madhav doesn't have that much of role in the movie. since Nivin Pauly is always a great entertainer we don't have to say much about him. and about Vineeth Sreenivasan who appears in the second half of the movie does a fabulous job. role done by Vijaya Raghavan is also noteworthy . so overall Oru Vadakkan Selfie is a good entertaining movie specially characterized by the acting of all the actors. if you need to relax and have some fun and laugh you must go and watch this movie. but remember you can not compare this movie with Thattathin Marayathu (done by almost the same crew) which was a mass hit . so do not expect much. just watch and enjoy.

Worst film

[ianv-64846 · 1/10 · 14 June 2020]

The last part went very sadly boring film. it is not expect a movie from Vineeth Sreenivasan and from nivin pauly