Double Barrel (2015) Poster

(2015)

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6/10
"Not Everyone's Cup Of Tea"
afsalthodupuzha28 August 2015
Lijo Jose Pellisery's "Double Barrel" A.K.A " Eratta Kuzhal which was under production since early 2014 was undoubtedly the most anticipated Mollywood movie of 2015 from my side due to a wide range of reasons,a few being its whooping budget of around 16 crores,the sound technical crew headed by Lijo and of course the presence of an ensemble star-cast including my favourite actor Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Indrajith,Arya and Asif Ali.

A gangster spoof at the first place,Double Barrel is beyond doubt a brave attempt from Lijo Jose Pellisery who has comeout with something different every time he wielded the megaphone.Even though there's still big room for improvement as far as a smooth experience is concerned,Double Barrel,which gives the feeling of reading a comic book will not letdown at least a small section of the movie buffs who love experimental flicks.

For a close viewer who loves films from the directors of the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie,Double Barrel is sure to find a place in the heart with its technical integrity and unorthodox treatment devoid of clichéd elements that we usually come across in films.Visuals by Abhinandan Ramanujan making use of Red Dragon Camera deserves a special mention for the perfection in each frame.Action choreography and visual effects utilized during the shootout sequences too were really impressive but editing by Sathyaraj was pretty mediocre resulting in lack of continuity in between the narration.Music by Prashant Pillai was suiting the narration,but none of the songs can qualify for repeated hearing.The background score by himself was impressive.

The slow pace of the narration and inherent lag along with quiet a few numbers that backfired will surely evoke negative response from a major section of the audience and as such a box office success seems laborious for the makers,which was expected once the promos were out.The second half in particular is a roller coaster ride with impressive and sombre sequences tallying with each other resulting in a mixed response once the end credits start to roll on screen.Maybe too much experimentation with the narration keeps the movie far from the reach of the normal mass audience who are looking to chillout for sometime this festival season.

Coming to the performances,Prithviraj Sukumaran and Indrajith pulled off the humorous characters Pancho and Vinci convincingly,evoking laughs with their hilarious antics.The foreign actor who portrayed the role of Blacky was refreshing and received claps for his Malayalam version dialogues.Vijay Babu was impressive as Billy.Arya,Sunny Wayne and Chemban Viniod were adequate.Asif Ali had very little screen presence,but did his part well.Among others Rachana Narayanankutty,Sabumon Abdusamad,Pearle Maaney,Sajid Yahiya etc did their job well.

Overall,Double Barrel is a bold experiment that's targeted at a niche audience who love avant-garde film making.Nothing more nothing less!! Verdict::August Cinemas's latest endeavour Double Barrel is a rarity in an Industry like Mollywood where experiments come in less number.The 158 long gangster spoof is a roller-coaster ride with its fare share of ups and downs,so my advice is to try it at your own risk if you have taste for experimental movies.
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7/10
"Could have been better . . ."
RedAnalsyer29 February 2020
They could have used the cast better, I mean if we remove Arya's character from the movie altogether it would'nt have made a huge difference and I still don't get the point of Asif Ali's character. Expected something better from the director Lijo Jose Pellisery after watching Jallikattu which was the main reason I watched this movie.
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5/10
Too much of mess
aravindstvm25 March 2020
Two people's are going to sell 2 diamonds for 100 crores which they brought for 10 crore. This one liner is made into a whole lots of crap.Too much crap that no one can bear. But camera work was super cool and you don't see this in any other malayalam movie. You will see like you are watching a Hollywood crap satire movie with Malayalam dubbing . Enjoy if you are ready to bear the crap. PS : 5,6 lighter moments are there for some relief.
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6/10
i like it
sujajoshy1 May 2020
It is the first spoof movie in malayalam industry.
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4/10
Sigh...
praveen773 September 2015
This was one crash and burn like none other. As an ardent admirer of the Lijo Jose Pellisery school of film making and an even bigger admirer of Prithviraj (and to a lesser extent, his brother too), this was one flick I was betting the year on. Lijo's first movie was an under-appreciated little gem 'Nayakan' with Indrajith in a role which should have catapulted him to the big time, but didn't. Sadly, his second movie, and probably his best, City of God, was commercially noticed even less, but was one of my favorites of that year. But considering the huge supporting cast of big names and the Tarantino-sque trailer for this one, plus the fact that Lijo had finally cracked the commercial approval code with 'Amen', this had to be a surefire winner right?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Speaking as someone who loves experimental Malayalam cinema, I have to say I found nothing really to recommend here. The first sequence, in fact, was quite promising – with the arguing couple, the silent gunman and the explosive culmination of it in a black comedy of errors. But from then on in, I could only watch with growing disbelief as the movie descended into farce of unbelievable proportions. The silent gunman, played by Sunny Wayne, was probably the best part of the movie, and not nearly enough time was devoted to this character. A farcical tale on the pursuit of two diamonds, Laila and Majnu, which together are valuable beyond your wildest dreams but worthless individually, a whole cast of characters come together (or blow apart) in its chase. Leading the pack are the duo of brothers (Prithvi and Indrajith), small time crooks trying to break the big time. Chemban Vinod Jose and Arya play another track of small time hooligans trying to bury a couple of bodies their mobster boss killed. Speaking of which, how in the world is Arya such a huge star in the neighboring state? His lack of emotive skills and even poorer dialog delivery shows exactly why he probably could not make any in roads into the currently competitive Malayalam industry.

The ingredients were all there for a wild and quirky romp in a Mallu stoner attempt at Tarantino. Unfortunately, the biggest problem here is that the situations and dialogs are just not funny. What was meant to be rib tickling funny fell flat most of the time. Most of the story lines (apart from the silent assassin one) did not connect and it was way too long, clocking at a mammoth 2 hours 40 minutes.

There is almost nothing redeeming in this misadventure – except maybe for the fact that every director is allowed a misfire, and considering this is Lijo's first, he will hopefully bounce back with a bang.
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6/10
Good
johnykareekalam6 January 2019
It's a wonderful experimental movie in Malayalam. Do not watch the film with great expectations. But, this film entertains you in a different way. This film made in strategy called comic fiction.
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1/10
bloody piece of bullshit
santiago-appu29 August 2015
This movie is made just to kill time and empty our pockets.I went to watch this movie only because i was impressed by that director's last movie amen.It was wonderful and i expect something more from this movie.But it made me feel bad for two hours and for the whole day.I suggest everyone kunjiramayanam instead of this bullshit.It at least have a story.But this bullshit not even stink.I never expect this from prithviraj and indrajith.I had a very good impression about prithvi on seeing the movies like memories and 7th day .But this movie destroy that impression.Any one who see this review are requested not to go for this movie.
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9/10
Its Unique and one of a Kind for Asian films
dolvin-2583113 May 2019
Story about two precious pair of stones laila and majnu and a Don trying to sell it.If this was a Hollywood film it will definitely won awards.Indian audiences as well as even critics didn't had the knowledge what Lijo tried to tell.Move away your logic and enjoy this masterpiece.Cinematography is excellent and bgm is rave.If you want to enjoy in its peak then roll an joint and watch.
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4/10
Pathetic Movie
fascse21 December 2015
I don't understand ,based on what this movie is taken.Through out the movie ,they have tried hard to adapt some Hollywood stunt elements.The most boring and irresponsible Malayalam Movie ever.No story line, Poor editing, Poor Direction, Worst Music, Horrible dialogues.Apart from some comic scenes,the film is nothing.I wonder if 'Arya' read the script before acting,as we can't see any scope for his role in the movie.Camera work is good,Can give some marks to his work only.I don't understand why some bgms copied from amen.'Prithviraj' and 'Indrajith' are good actors in malayalam,but they have chosen a wrong subject here. Hats off to the poor people who suffered three hours in cinema.
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10/10
Double Barrel is a Stylish Experimental Movie
harikrishnat9713 September 2015
To all variety seeker Double Barrel will be an wonderful treatment. After Amen, Lijo Jose Pellisseri comes with a brave attempt in Malayalam Cinema like we've never seen before.A group of gangsters set out in search of two diamonds named "Laila and Majnu", which are worth only when they a together.Even though the story was simple,the movie got international look.Great visuals by Abhinandan Ramanujan by the use of Red Dragon Camera and the variety songs composed by Prashant Pillai are another plus points of the film.The Double Barrel give a feeling of reading a comic book,So we have to see this movie in the mindset of kid to enjoy movie.But don't expect Amen or his other movies.Director's approach towards film making was different from others. LJP doesn't want to make same kind of movies.His each movie is different from one another,in style,story,treatment..etc. Double Barrel is labeled as Gangster spoof film.As a experimental movie of course it has some negatives also.But I don't care about that,for me the movie was a great visual treat and entire cast was awesome-Prithviraj,Indrajith,Asif Ali,Arya..etc.May be it's style was inspired from the movies of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. The costumes and style of characters reminded me of famous gangsters in Hollywood.Totally Double Barrel is my cup of tea.I think it's not everyone's cup of tea.I must admit that Double Barrrel is Bold Experimental movie released in Malayalam. Try to watch it in theaters. Lijo Jose Pellissery is Malayalam's original next- generation filmmaker.
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4/10
"Motham oru English Style aa".
akhil02723 June 2020
It's a dialogue by one of the characters. That's what Double Barrel is. Now, I knew what I was getting into. I've seen movies like Scott Pilgrim and liked it. It had a proper story line and the setup was maintained as a video game. Double Barrel went wrong there. There were some funny moments. But it was dragging most of the time. Aarya and Chemban's plot was totally unnecessary and bad. Camera and Art work is great. I'll give them that. But that's it. Double Barrel is 2.40 hrs of torture. Great making isn't enough. There should be some good screenplay too.
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10/10
A Satirical Masterclass
punkysajay31 December 2019
This movie is not for all. that is something people fail to understand. With a large number of characters intricately woven around the film should be watched with zero expectations as there are no prior movies it can be compared with. The movie will make you laugh and provide you with a cinematic experience that was alien to Malayalam movies. With time this movie may be appreciated as a Stoner classic of the industry
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8/10
Very good experimental movie.
isaacvvavachan19 January 2019
An extra ordinary effort taken film in Malayalam industry, New styles and linguistics coming in, and should say it's one of the first films in Malayalam industry to bring in a thematic absurdness of life through such intensified scenes. Hats off to the whole team!
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8/10
a WONDERFUL movie
arundev-p871 September 2015
(Please pardon for my English) This movie is a wonder. From start the movie tells the story about the two stones(Laila,Majnu). The stone handed over from persons to persons and country to country with background of Historical facts. Incredible photography,great concepts, funny dialogs and good casting. My experience is that each frame of this movie is colorful. The detail is incredible can't lift my eyes. Technically, conceptually this movie can be wonder in Malayalam movie industry. And need guts to take risk One can call it a comedy movie,art movie or Gangster movie or Fantasy movie. This includes all of it I think. In my opinion this movie have some similarities with comedy movies like Nadodikattu,Patanapravesham,Akkareakkareakkare up-to some degree.
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8/10
A Very Different Malayalam Movie!!
nharishiyer29 August 2015
After watching Double Barrell a.k.a Eratta Kuzhal, opinions would be polar, i.e., either you will like it tremendously, or you will hate it. Many movie goers are not able to connect with the film. Reason being primarily the movie not following a template seen in malayalam or rather Indian cinema. Those who are familiar with Guy Ritchie's movies like snatch, Rock,n,rolla will appreciate the bold and tremendous attempt by the makers. This movie doesn't have your typical heroes, villains, love track and a comedy track. This is story of some really messed up mad characters coming together in a very mad script (there are many characters all of equal importance).

Honestly, I believe this movie is still ahead of its time in malayalam cinema. Audience might not be ready for such experiments. Like Padmarajan movies in the past, this will get its due in the years to come. Salute to Lijo Jose and Prithviraj for such a brave attempt. Please do not stop what you are doing based on the box-office returns, because you are doing right stuff.
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8/10
Double Barrel : A Dark Comedy Action Thriller
sachin10128 August 2015
Double Barrel aka Iratta Kuzhal is a comedy movie from the director Lijo Pellissery,the film is packed with excellent visual experience and certainly a masterpiece by the film maker, action and black comedy combination is a new experience for south Indian viewers such an experience is seen only in Hollywood. Its similar to Django Unchained in some sense but different in other.

Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery

Produced by Prithviraj, Santhosh Sivan, Arya, Shaji Nadesan

Written by Lijo Jose Pellissery

Starring Prithviraj, Arya, Indrajith, Asif Ali, Sunny Wayne, Swathi Reddy, Isha Sharvani, Pearle Maaney

Music by Prashant Pillai

Cinematography Abhinandan Ramanujan

Production Company: August Cinema

Distributed by August Cinema, E4Events & Nanma International (Asia Pacific)

Release dates: August 28, 2015

Language Malayalam

Budget US$2.4 million .The cast of the movie have ultra modern look and its a retro styled movie like the "DOUBLE BARREL GUN" it self.
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8/10
A comical gangster spoof
azemillancy1 June 2021
A quirky film which has great aesthetics and fantasy. Spoof of many films of different areas.

Something like never before. In fact an underrated gem in malayalam cinema.

It tells the story of Pancho and Vincy in the pursuit for two gems Laila and Majnu which has no worth if it's not together.

The film is a cinematic adaptation of comics and video games.

This film will Rock you if you are interested in spoof, quirky action and comedy.
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10/10
An excellent masterpiece
super-fool27 February 2021
One of the best efforts in Indian cinema. Breathtaking locations, cinematography, costumes and BGM makes u glued to the seats or whatever you are on. This film has the unique modern treatment offered to an age old story that we all may have heard from our grandmothers. Hollywood would definitely(and with right reasons too) take notice of this talented directors immense dedication and relentless attitude of striving for one's perfection. This has the right mix of characters served in the right scenarios. Whereas Shaolin Sweety is the apt example of women empowerment, She(played supposedly by Kerala's greatest finance minister's daughter) is the quintessential role model of feminine charm. Portrayal of human emotions in all aspects (including afterlife) takes this flick to the level of hegelian dialectic. The depiction of the assassin with the unsuspecting kid promises us that humanity is not all lost on this planet. There could never be another movie of this level. This marks the beginning of an era in Mollywood. If you haven't seen this, you deserve to die.
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10/10
A tad too good of a movie for its time.
sanvgc15 September 2021
A great movie, with a slight shade to a fantasy thriller genre BUT too good for its kind and for its time. Must say, one of the few movies one could watch with a light heart - on repeat for days! Movie has a great star cast but justifying their casting with a great art crew for its plot - one of a kind movie for Malayalam audience.
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10/10
Unique& good film that released in wrong time
iamabhijithk3 January 2022
Actually it was a good film, we enjoy like reading a comic book. It was film relased in wrong time thats why it flopped In that time peoples doesnot familar with this kind of genre my rating 8/10.
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