Lovediiittt Jayasurya gives a valuable comeback to theaters and our cinema life... perfectly potraiyed real life story and touches the heart of audience perfectly
40 Reviews
Superbb
jithinjiji24 January 2021
Legendary Acting
kurianbahrain23 January 2021
Dicaprio of Malayalam Movie
gregarymk27 January 2021
Another one from Jayasurya,after the movie i couldn't stop thinking about the character "Murali" portrayed by Jayasurya. I had this same experience after the powerful visual impact given by the character "Ganga"portrayed by actor "Vinayakan" in the 2016 movie "Kammattipadam".Jayasurya's portrayal of the character "Murali" stays in my head just like that.
Like we heard before actor Jayasurya is the "Dicaprio" of Malayalam movie"; Yes ,he is because Jayasurya delivers such a phenomenal and a master piece portrayal of the character "Murali" in the movie "Vellom".Actor Samyuktha also did a very different character from all her other works as a married woman with a school going daughter.Her mind surfs in the sea of different traumas due to her husband Murali's drunkard life and she performed it very well.
The movie is based on a true story about the Keralite "Murali Kunnumpurathu",a drunkyard who quit alcohol after facing a lot of trouble in his family life . Later he became sucessful in his life and built an entire bussiness career.This movie points out a very important aspect on how we should act as a society on people who comes out of any addiction completely.
Do yourself a favour , go watch the movie if you can ,Stay safe .
Superb performance by jayasurya
abhijithsureshtk22 January 2021
Excellent movie 👌
sanuraj-1103025 January 2021
Watch it for Jayasuriya
vjnambu13 February 2021
With vellam, Jayasuriya once again proves that he is one of the best method actors in malayalam. He got into the skin of his character Murali in such a way that you will feel a sense of disgust while watching him. Its his one man show all the way.
Since, its based on the real life story of former drunkard turned entrepreneur Murali kunnumapurath, the movie was predictable and if it was a fictional story then the ending would have been unrealistic. The tone of the film changes drastically towards the climax and the rest of the film before that is kinda depressing to watch.
On the whole, like su su sudhi and marykutty, vellam works mainly because of jayasuriya's performance and the emotional story and not due to its execution.
Vere level
sdilshadvt24 January 2021
Jayasurya deserves a lot more appreciation.
vineetpillai1723 February 2021
A movie well paced with splendid acting from Jayasurya and supporting cast. You can definitely give this movie a go.
The only thing I didn't like was the out of proportion ending, it felt as if I started watching a different movie during climax.
Great Acting
jyothishs-6693124 January 2021
Jayasurya's willingness to take on such a role is really appreciating.
sudheeshthulaseedharan31 March 2021
Vellam- The Essential Drink is written and directed by Prajesh Sen. He is the man who came into Malayalam cinema by telling the story of Indian football team captain VP Sathyan and directing Jayasurya's career best film and character Captain.
This is his second film, again Jayasurya with him. That is the matter for the great anticipation of audience.
The story of a typical alcoholic to be found in any rural area of Kerala.
The hero introduces himself as Murali Nambiar somewhere in the movie! But among the people his name is Waterman.
That is the water that is mentioned in the title of the film!!
The background of the film and Murali's life is some inland village in Kannur.
The movie starts with Murali jumping into a well and trying to commit suicide.
The flashback of Murali's life so far comes as fire force and local people pick him up from the well and take him to the hospital.
Flashback is a long flashback of more than one hour and forty minutes in a two and a half hour movie. The rest of the turnaround takes place over the remaining quarter of an hour
Usually the story of alcoholics is come in to the script, they often show a strong or weak reason for doing so. But there is no such thing here. The plots are cliché free.
Usually the writer and director generously offer all sorts of occasions and dialogues in which the audience feels a little sentiments towards the drunken protagonist.
Here that part is also empty. Murali's life is a mess that even the audience cannot tolerate. It's not like he is drinking alcohol, but it's like alcohol is drinking him back.
Whenever we see Murali, we always feel hate in his activities and gestures. He never give a single moment that illuminates the memories of his daughter, wife, mother or father can contribute to his drinking-life.
Another strong role in the water is played by Murali's wife Sunita.
Sunita, who was soaked till the interval, can be seen gaining extraordinary strength after that and putting forward some moments that can be said to be absolutely fresh.
Samyuktha Menon has made Sunitha great.
After the first half, Samyukta is able to establish Sunita in a shocking way from what she thought was such a character.
Waterman Murali is one of the best characters in Jayasurya's acting career. His willingness to take on such a role is really appreciating.
If the melodrama had been controlled and cropped, the level of the film would have changed. I think so.
This is his second film, again Jayasurya with him. That is the matter for the great anticipation of audience.
The story of a typical alcoholic to be found in any rural area of Kerala.
The hero introduces himself as Murali Nambiar somewhere in the movie! But among the people his name is Waterman.
That is the water that is mentioned in the title of the film!!
The background of the film and Murali's life is some inland village in Kannur.
The movie starts with Murali jumping into a well and trying to commit suicide.
The flashback of Murali's life so far comes as fire force and local people pick him up from the well and take him to the hospital.
Flashback is a long flashback of more than one hour and forty minutes in a two and a half hour movie. The rest of the turnaround takes place over the remaining quarter of an hour
Usually the story of alcoholics is come in to the script, they often show a strong or weak reason for doing so. But there is no such thing here. The plots are cliché free.
Usually the writer and director generously offer all sorts of occasions and dialogues in which the audience feels a little sentiments towards the drunken protagonist.
Here that part is also empty. Murali's life is a mess that even the audience cannot tolerate. It's not like he is drinking alcohol, but it's like alcohol is drinking him back.
Whenever we see Murali, we always feel hate in his activities and gestures. He never give a single moment that illuminates the memories of his daughter, wife, mother or father can contribute to his drinking-life.
Another strong role in the water is played by Murali's wife Sunita.
Sunita, who was soaked till the interval, can be seen gaining extraordinary strength after that and putting forward some moments that can be said to be absolutely fresh.
Samyuktha Menon has made Sunitha great.
After the first half, Samyukta is able to establish Sunita in a shocking way from what she thought was such a character.
Waterman Murali is one of the best characters in Jayasurya's acting career. His willingness to take on such a role is really appreciating.
If the melodrama had been controlled and cropped, the level of the film would have changed. I think so.
Masterpiece of Actor Jayasurya
akashstart30 January 2021
Well scripted and performed movie spoilt by an out of tune climax
wynwar12 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A large portion of the movie is well written and really good quality. The situational comedy and the heartrending compulsions of addiction are very realistically and beautifully presented. And the performances are quite good too. Jayasurya is especially good. Admittedly one of his best performances.
But the final 20 minutes of the movie takes the charm away from the movie. It almost feels as if the director ran out of time and ended the movie in a hurry. The preachy and unrealistically exhilarating climax is completely out of tune with the rest of the movie and destroys the effect entirely. The message of recovery and success could've been presented as realistically as the rest of the movie in the same 20 mins. In the final 20 minutes, he grows from a pauper to the owner of a business spread across 22 nations! And all this happens in 3-4 years apparently.
If the movie had ended showing him starting to build his tile factory or had shown him as an established businessman with a potbelly and balding head, the pace and scale of the story would have remained realistic while conveying the exact same level of positivity as it currently attempts. A balding, potbellied Jayasurya could still have made the bombastic walk in the airport with the foreigner :)).
Malayalam movies are known for realistic presentations and this movie would've been one too, if the final 20 minutes were better made.
There is no question that the story of the real life Murali of his growth from an alcoholic to a successful businessman is a true inspiration. The review is about the presentation of the story, not the life of the person. The real life Murali struggled for 12 years and grew his business to 2 countries. There are several post movie release interviews of Murali Kunnumpurath in which you can see this humble, authentic and heartwarming individual. I'd recommend hearing him as it adds a special effect to the movie.
But the final 20 minutes of the movie takes the charm away from the movie. It almost feels as if the director ran out of time and ended the movie in a hurry. The preachy and unrealistically exhilarating climax is completely out of tune with the rest of the movie and destroys the effect entirely. The message of recovery and success could've been presented as realistically as the rest of the movie in the same 20 mins. In the final 20 minutes, he grows from a pauper to the owner of a business spread across 22 nations! And all this happens in 3-4 years apparently.
If the movie had ended showing him starting to build his tile factory or had shown him as an established businessman with a potbelly and balding head, the pace and scale of the story would have remained realistic while conveying the exact same level of positivity as it currently attempts. A balding, potbellied Jayasurya could still have made the bombastic walk in the airport with the foreigner :)).
Malayalam movies are known for realistic presentations and this movie would've been one too, if the final 20 minutes were better made.
There is no question that the story of the real life Murali of his growth from an alcoholic to a successful businessman is a true inspiration. The review is about the presentation of the story, not the life of the person. The real life Murali struggled for 12 years and grew his business to 2 countries. There are several post movie release interviews of Murali Kunnumpurath in which you can see this humble, authentic and heartwarming individual. I'd recommend hearing him as it adds a special effect to the movie.
Jayasurya's fantastic performance doesn't get enough support from the melodramatic, preachy screenplay! [+52%]
arungeorge136 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If there's one thing Vellam reinstates, it's that Jayasurya is a director's actor. He can carry an entire film on his shoulders provided there's scope for a knockout performance. As Murali, a perpetual drunkard with a knack for getting into messy situations wherever he goes, Jayasurya is spectacular. After a pretty impressive debut in Captain, writer-director Prajesh Sen offers the actor yet another character that's difficult to crack, but Jayasurya pulls off a convincing feat. However, Vellam's screenplay lacks the overall emotional pull for it to be a memorable cinematic experience.
We have already seen different kinds of alcoholics in Malayalam cinema - the funny kind, the harmless/helpless kind, and the brutal/sadistic kind. Murali, a former tile-shop worker, is quintessentially an alcoholic hybrid; he can crack a one-liner or two, he's shown to be generally harmless in the initial portions, and he becomes increasingly exasperating to have around (for family, friends, and acquaintances) later on. There's also the entirely predictable de-addiction trope that these films have to go through, with characters who miraculously appear as guardian angels (like Siddique in this one).
Samyuktha Menon's dialogue delivery has improved and her character (Sunitha, Murali's wife) comes with better-than-expected texture. Her reactions (and decisions) needed to resonate strongly and for the limited screen time that the screenplay gives her, it's all believable. Thought it could have avoided using lines like "Are you a feminist?" altogether to spoonfeed audiences. In fact, there's little subtlety in Vellam. In one elaborate hospital scene, we have Siddique's character sermonising Murali's dear ones that it's their duty to accept him back as a changed human. The screenplay spends a tad too long on (repetitive) scenes that invoke melodrama, and chooses Bijibal's song compositions to portray Murali's transformation (not a good move, in my opinion).
The biggest bummer arrives at the very end, in the form of a sketchy climax scene that abruptly turns Vellam into a (sort of) mass movie. The abruptness is what spoils it; not the intention. An actor who makes a late cameo (as yet another drunkard) does grab your attention in the preceding scene - I like to think that he can play an even more realistic drunkard than Jayasurya himself.
We have already seen different kinds of alcoholics in Malayalam cinema - the funny kind, the harmless/helpless kind, and the brutal/sadistic kind. Murali, a former tile-shop worker, is quintessentially an alcoholic hybrid; he can crack a one-liner or two, he's shown to be generally harmless in the initial portions, and he becomes increasingly exasperating to have around (for family, friends, and acquaintances) later on. There's also the entirely predictable de-addiction trope that these films have to go through, with characters who miraculously appear as guardian angels (like Siddique in this one).
Samyuktha Menon's dialogue delivery has improved and her character (Sunitha, Murali's wife) comes with better-than-expected texture. Her reactions (and decisions) needed to resonate strongly and for the limited screen time that the screenplay gives her, it's all believable. Thought it could have avoided using lines like "Are you a feminist?" altogether to spoonfeed audiences. In fact, there's little subtlety in Vellam. In one elaborate hospital scene, we have Siddique's character sermonising Murali's dear ones that it's their duty to accept him back as a changed human. The screenplay spends a tad too long on (repetitive) scenes that invoke melodrama, and chooses Bijibal's song compositions to portray Murali's transformation (not a good move, in my opinion).
The biggest bummer arrives at the very end, in the form of a sketchy climax scene that abruptly turns Vellam into a (sort of) mass movie. The abruptness is what spoils it; not the intention. An actor who makes a late cameo (as yet another drunkard) does grab your attention in the preceding scene - I like to think that he can play an even more realistic drunkard than Jayasurya himself.
Excellent performance and camera work!!
samxcruzzsk24 January 2021
"Insult is one of the best investment!" - a line from the movie!
srajesh-nair28 March 2021
I very rarely write reviews after watching a movie. I could not resist myself from writing one and appreciating the cast&crew and their efforts for making such a wonderful movie.
Thanks to the director Prajesh Sen for choosing such a story and staying true in execution till the end. It was so realistic. It does have a strong message too in it. There are lot of places you will have wet eyes as Murali (Jayasurya) takes us for an emotional ride. All the co-stars too did a superb job.
I am not a Jayasurya fan but would agree he gave everything in this, his career best so far. What a performance!
There were moments where the viewers too would start praying for Murali to break out of it and succeed.
Thanks to the director Prajesh Sen for choosing such a story and staying true in execution till the end. It was so realistic. It does have a strong message too in it. There are lot of places you will have wet eyes as Murali (Jayasurya) takes us for an emotional ride. All the co-stars too did a superb job.
I am not a Jayasurya fan but would agree he gave everything in this, his career best so far. What a performance!
There were moments where the viewers too would start praying for Murali to break out of it and succeed.
Feels like Life itself
DelightedOmer3 August 2021
Did not feel Bored anywhere! Superb Acting !
rohith-137548 February 2021
Pure Realistic Acting as Drunkard. Movie is all about what happens if a man addicted to alcohol and how society takes him after he stops. And a surprising thing from where to where he goes. Must watch motivational movie. Extra ordinary raw acting jaya suriya .
Jayasurya Show 🔥🔥
shyamtheju7 February 2021
No words for Jayasurya's acting 🔥👌 He put heart and soul into that character. Strong and Commendable performance from Samyuktha Menon 👌. Real life character portrayed and narrated beautifully in the film. Inspirational film !!
Reality
nareshkumarnaveen7 February 2021
Already Seen this before.
ShammiHero10 February 2021
Although it had a 7/10 performance from Jayasurya and Ms. Menon, the movie is just super dragging.
I think of this movie as a mixture of Pursuit of Happiness and Ranjith's Spirit mixed together. It was just meh and the acting performances does not overppower how tedious it was to watch it.
If they shortened the movie to atleast 1hr30 - 1hr40mins, it would been a decent watch.
I think of this movie as a mixture of Pursuit of Happiness and Ranjith's Spirit mixed together. It was just meh and the acting performances does not overppower how tedious it was to watch it.
If they shortened the movie to atleast 1hr30 - 1hr40mins, it would been a decent watch.
Must wach movie
pranaviapranav8 February 2021
A must see movie
rktk-151568 February 2021
One of the best movies of recent times. It is the best in all aspects. Well directed movie with a meaningful script, awesome photography,very good editing and superb acting by all especially Jayasurya. The film also coveys a positive message to the alcoholics.No wonder if the film bags a national awad for best film and Jayasurya for his superb acting. A must see film indeed.
Remarkable
ram-599376 February 2021
After so many years after watching the movie, the scenes keep on coming in to my mind and me thinking about the plots the following days. Outstanding Making, Remarkable performance by Jayasuriya, Samyuktha ..The movie is not lagging at any where.Must watch
Vellam
nijokerala16 July 2021
Lovely movie a story of a man after his alcoholic past
pvinodm-883004 June 2021
It may be a kind of story that has been told before but I also went because my late moms friends granddaughter acted in it -there is a reference to
Bekal fort for in it the stones used in its construction it's new in the sense that the business that is mentioned is about bricks otherwise storyline is not entirely new I feel but it's a movie to be watched kasargod is the place of a staff working in my bank she regularly goes there I also plan to see kasargod-story of a man after his alcoholic past,becoming a rich businessman.
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