Story: In the 1990s, political powerhouse IG Joseph Chandy and Pala planter Kaduvakunnel Kuriyachan form a coalition.
It can be entertaining to occasionally watch a “mass” thriller. It’s the morality tale of today, complete with a blatant victory of good over evil and no regard for shades of grey. Viewers experience cathartic satisfaction in witnessing the aggressor progressively receive his comeuppance. And we can surely use that now that the pandemic is over.
After a break, Shaji Kailas returns to Malayalam with the genre he excels in. But the distinction between Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar or Dhruvam and Kaduva and Kailas’ 90s blockbusters like Ekalavyan and Commissioner—as well as any of those types of revenge movies from the era—is that when the hero exacts revenge on the villain, he does so by setting delectably clever traps, smooth or bombastic dialogue, and landing a few punches. Jinu V Abraham’s novel Kaduva has more brawn than brain.
The movie has been the subject of legal disputes over the past few years, with Jose Kuruvinakunnel alleging that the movie defames him and his family. Regardless of the situation, the movie follows Pala planter Kaduvakunnel Kuriyachan (Prithviraj) as he forms an alliance with politically-favored top cop IG Joseph Chandy (Vivek Oberoi). A disagreement over a piano that was given to the nearby church where an errant priest had been posted initially turns into a battle that intensifies over time even as the main character is put in jail. The rest of the tale describes how he defeats the IG, a local SI (Kalabhavan Shajohn), and the priest.
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The older films of Shaji Kailas always had entertainment value despite their flaws, misogyny, and excessive macho. They were interesting to watch, with emotionally charged, fast-paced characters, and again, the hero’s vengeful battle back. Thankfully, everything except the misogyny is missing here. In the first half, Joseph Chandy, SI Dominic, and Fr. Robin attack Kuriyachan from every angle, which keeps us interested since we can’t wait to see how he will respond. However, if you were hoping for seamless, deft destruction, the second half will disappoint you.
It begins with some interesting political trickery and eventually ends with fists, which feels like a letdown. Additionally, by the conclusion of the 155-minute film and with all the slow motion, it becomes tedious. Some issues are not even afterward addressed, such as when Kuriyachan’s neighboring plot is turned into a cremation site.
Prithviraj does well as Kuriyachan; he successfully blends strength and friendliness to elicit sympathy from the audience. Shajon is the ideal evil, petty SI, while Vivek Oberoi is excellent as the antagonistic IG. Alencier, Baiju, and Rahul Madhav are among the members of the supporting cast who do well in their roles. Samyuktha Menon is attractive, but Seema, who plays a smaller role, has the stronger on-screen moments. Some of Abinandhan Ramanujam’s camerawork is exquisitely striking, like right after a fight in jail or when he captures a drive through a plantation.
You might appreciate the film if you’re in the mood for a Prithviraj mass thriller, but don’t expect to be amazed.
Also read: Movie Review for Kaduva: A thriller without a spark-Newzdaddy