Saturday 5 December 2015

‘Anarkali’ is another love tale




Boy meets girl and its love at first sight for Shantanu, (Prithviraj), a naval officer and Nadira Imam (Priyal Gor). Their eyes lock together at a naval officers get-together where she sings a qawali.
From mere glances their relationship grows into meetings until Nadira’s father, Rear Admiral, Jaffer Imam’s catches them kissing.
Like every other love story, especially one that dares to cross boundaries of religion Shantanu and Nadira face opposition. Jaffer Imam, known for his disciplinarian ways is now bent on separating the two, even if it meant kicking Shantanu out of service on account of misconduct with his 15-year-old daughter.
Nadira vows that she will only marry Shantanu with her father’s consent. And, until then she would not meet him at all.
‘Anarkali’ is scenarist Sachy’s maiden directorial venture. There is nothing new in this love story. And, coming closely on the heels of another love story, ‘Ennum Ninte Moideen,’ where religion came in the way of two loving hearts, comparisons are inevitable.
‘Ennum Ninte Moideen,’ scored with a powerful and intense story. You felt the pain of the lovers. That is missing in ‘Anarkali.’ Despite Prithviraj’s good performance and Priyal Gor’s cute looks, the emotions between the two lovers don’t move you. Veteran actor Kabir Bedi disappoints with his wooden expressions.
What props up this love story from sagging is the presence of other characters like Dr. Sherin George (Mia George), Koya, (played by Suresh Krishna) Naseeb Imam, (Nadira’s brother played by Sudev Nair,) and Zachariah, (Shantanu’s close buddy played by Biju Menon).
And of course the exotic visuals of Lakshadweep shot by cinematographer Sujith Vassudev.
‘Anarkali’ is good in parts and a treat for Prithviraj fans. With doses of humour and action, ‘Anarkali’ is another romantic tale.  

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