Kanupapa-Movie-ReviewBOTTOM LINE
Mohanlal Makes It Worth

OUR RATING
2.75/5

CENSOR
‘U’ Certified, 105 mins.


MohanlalWhat is the film about?
Jayaram (Mohanlal) is a blind man but works in an apartment thanks to Krishna Murthy, a retired lawyer. What happens with the lawyer is killed and who is Nandini (Baby) is what the film is all about?

How is Mohanlal’s performance?
Mohanlal is terrific as usual. There shouldn’t be a doubt regarding the acting capabilities of the actor unless it’s over the top masala which might not be age appropriate. Here as a blind guy, the actor plays it as naturally as possible without any unnecessary frills. He makes us glued to the screen whenever he is on it, such is his commanding presence.


Director-PriyadarshanDirection By Priyadarshan?
Priyadarshan has deftly handled the movie. He chiefly concentrates on the hero and through him makes one forget logic many times. The performance of Mohanlal is simply superb and the director known very well highlighting him would take care of the film.

The film takes the time to build and all the characters coming in and out could be frustrating in the beginning but once one is aware of all the pieces, the screenplay makes clear use of them all. Some of them appear very predictable while other keep one hooked. The problem here is the back story involving the hero and how it has been dealt overall.

Also, the main killer motive is neatly created but the way he goes about doing his revenge lacks logic. The idea is to surprise the viewers but it feels illogical at times and that takes away from the moment that the director is trying to build. These quibbles aside, the thriller has enough moments to engage one throughout and it is a decent viewing in the end.


Vimala-RamanVimala Raman and others?
There are no traditional heroines in the movie. everyone is a supporting artist and used well as part of the whole story. Keeping that in mind the casting is good and everyone that includes the likes of Nedumudi Venu, Vimala Raman, Vinod Jose, Renji Panicker, and Anusree have done their parts well. The main antagonist role is played by Samuthirakani. All he has to do is stare in a serious way and he does it well. He could have been better utilized, though. Finally, Baby Meenakshi is also fine for her small but important role.

music-directorMusic and other departments?
Music for the film is actually not necessary but they have neatly used so it shouldn’t matter in the end. Background score is fine overall. There are bits like in the interval, fight scene and in the climax, that are fantastic. The cinematography is nice. Editing is alright. Dialogues could have been better, it surely gives a dubbed feel.


Kanupapa-Movie-ReviewHighlights?
Story
Suspense part throughout
Climax
Bgm

Drawbacks?
Few illogical scenes
Drags at times
Unnecessary subplot


Anusree-nairAlternative Take
A pure thriller with hero directly being involved in the actual crime plot would have been even better. Additionally keeping the masala narrative intact, in a better way.

Did I enjoy it?
Yes for the most part

Will you recommend it?
Yes to those who enjoy thrillers

Kanupapa Review by Siddhartha Toleti