‘Amen’ is a cute love story that wins hands down with its fresh music and breath stealing visuals

With a tag line stating ‘divine comedy,’ Lijo Jose Pellissery introduces us to a Christian community of a village named Kumarankari, with a prank that literally stinks. As the camera pans over the picturesque village,  its glistening water bodies  and evergreen palm fronds, the story pegs itself around an old church managed by Father Ottaplackan.

 Father Ottaplackan, an orthodox to the boot does not like the flashy attire or cool attitude of Father Vittoli, the new and young priest appointed to the church. Nor is he keen on continuing with the church band that has been tasting defeat at the hands of a rival band, belonging to Martha Mariyamma.
 Solomon, a young clarinet player from this band struggles to make himself heard as he aspires to play like his dead father but is always overcome by fear and nervousness, reason enough for everyone to put him down including his sister, Clara. Solomon loves the rich Shosanna against her brother’s disapproval solely encouraged by the bold Shosanna. And, when his clarinet becomes an object of challenge not only for the sake of his church band but also to win the hands of Shosanna, the timid Solomon wonders whether he can do it?
‘Amen’ touches viewers’ hearts with its simplicity, tickling you now and then with its humour and gently sending across the message of love, of triumph of goodness over evil and of humanity over religious traditions.
It is hard to single out any one actor for his or her performance; such has been the work of the entire cast. Joy Mathews as the old priest matches Indrajit, the young exuberant music loving priest, Father Vattoli, whom you will end falling in love with. If Fahad Fazil reveals yet another aspect of his versatility as an actor in Solomon, then Swati Reddy as the bold Shosanna makes an impressive Malayalam debut. You will see a different Kalabhavan Mani as Loius Pappen, the senior most member of the church band and an old friend of Solomon’s father, who believes in Solomon’s hidden art.
Natasha Sehgal, writer at National Geographic Traveller India plays Michele, a French violinist with a soft corner for Father Vattoli. Not to forget all the supporting actors who complemented their roles. Don’t’ miss the toddy vendor often perched atop a tree and keeping an eye on the village happenings below regaling viewers with his comments. Good idea, Jose Pellissery.
Prashanth Pillai’s music is a big plus to the story, it appeals with its freshness and melody. Capturing the beauty of the village Kumarakari in every hue, especially those scenes bathed in moonlight and drenched in rain, cinematographer Abhinandan Ramanujam is just awesome as he leaves a poetic trail in every shot. My favourites are many, but one that remains in my mind is the scene where the villagers in their white attire travel in boats, looking so pristine in the ebony night,  flanked by greenery and an azure sky overhead. Solomon playing the clarinet at Shosanna’s arched gate every night while the light from her room above streams down to reveal a smiling Shosanna is another favourite.
Yes, there is toilet humour and a couple of expletives, but somehow they seem to blend in well with the story. Kudos to Jose Pellisery, for his unique presentation of the story. After his earlier successes with Nayagan’ and ‘City of God,’ he scores a hat trick, creating another ripple in the new stream of Malayalam cinema.
Good Cinema? Say ‘Amen.’