A Ranjith movie is something to wait for. I have loved every one of his recent movies from "Paleri Manikyam" to "Pranchiettan" to "Indian Rupee". Hence the coming together of Ranjith and his favorite actor Mohan Lal was worth waiting. But is the wait worth ? Read on...
We have been hearing for sometime about every release of his being Mohan Lal's come back vehicle as if he had gone on a long distance journey to moon. I used to find it funny because the actor was churning out one insipid movie after the other. But here he makes his presence felt in a strong manner in what I rate as his best performance since Kamal's "Ayaal Katha Ezhuthukayaanu". Mohan Lal the master of histrionics is definitely at his best.
Mohan Lal as the arrogant, almost megalomaniac, super-intelligent but on the verge of becoming a hopeless alcoholic Raghunandan is just fantastic. He strolls through the movie with one brilliant scene after another. Raghu plays the anchor or the master of a TV show called "Show the Spirit". He instills fear in the minds of the people who are supposed to grace the show. Many of those often leave in disgrace like the Minister Muralikrishnan played by Suraj Venjaramoodu. Thanks Ranjith, for showing us that Suraj is not as bad an actor as most of his directors have shown him so far.
Raghu is totally unrepentant about his failed marriage and his alcohol dependence and his brawls with people under the influence of alcohol. His divorced wife [Kaniha is brilliant as as Meera] is married to his best friend Alexy [Shankar Ramakrishnan in a superb portrayal of a good friend, better husband, great father and a magnificent human being] and Raghu still retains good friendship with both of them even though he ends up spoiling their party very often.
Madhu as the fun-loving retired army-man and Thilakan as one of those unknown alcoholics are good. Nandalal has perhaps essayed the role of his lifetime as the hopelessly alcoholic Plumber Manian. Tiny Tom is very efficient as the bartender. Sidharth Bharathan as the brilliant but eccentric poet Sameer has done well. Lena as the honest police officer has done well too..
Technically the movie is as good as any of Ranjith's movies. Revolving around the intellectual and literary world of Kerala and the influence of the 'Spirit' over the intelligentsia as well as the masses, the movie tries to spread a message.
Lyricist Rafeeq Ahmed has come out with nice songs tuned well by Shahbaz Aman. Back ground music too is easy on the ears. Editing and camera work are up to date.
Overall it is a very good and "Spirited" effort by Ranjith and Team and is laudable though the end comes across as a little too simplistic. But this effort should be appreciated for taking a look at that side of Kerala which we gloss over with jokes. There is truth in Raghunandan's words, "You all know a Manian between you. If not, perhaps YOU are Manian" !
My word: Must watch !
