‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ a revenge tale that carries little malice 

By Mythily Ramachandran

If you thought that revenge tales must be laden with gore and violence, then Dileesh Pothan’s debut film, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ (Mahesh’s revenge) busts that notion. 

As the title indicates Mahesh (Fahad Faasil) does have a score to settle and until that is done he will not rest, sorry in this case, he will not wear his slippers, preferring to go around bare-footed instead.  

What then makes this tale of retribution engaging and entertaining?
Clean and good humour to begin with right from the moment the story opens in a nondescript town of Prakash in Idukki. 

Mahesh is a photographer managing a small studio. He lives with his father (K J Antony), who has taught him the trade. Mahesh is in love with his school mate Sowmya, (Anusree) who works in another town as a nurse. Their love story is an open book and Mahesh is certain that they will be together someday soon. But Sowmya’s father has better plans for his daughter and with that their love story comes to a close.  

‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ is Dileesh Pothan’s debut film. Pothan who assisted Aashiq Abu prior to going solo, left an impression as an actor in a small but memorable role in Aashiq Abu’s ‘Salt and Pepper. ’
With this film he scores as a director.
The story written by Syam Puskaran unfolds in a manner that cannot be predicted. 

An ordinary incident that happens outside Mahesh’s studio affects him and that propels him on a revenge journey thus taking the story ahead.
But the anger and hatred one often associates with a revenge tale is missing. Humour takes over and with Soubin Shahir around be prepared to laugh. 

Shahir plays Crispin, an assistant working in the studio next –door to Mahesh’s. This studio belongs to Baby Achayan (Alancier Lay) and the day to day interactions between the boss and his new apprentice is hilarious. Not to forget Soniamol, the young daughter of Achayan, a distraction for Crispin.   

There is no loud acting here. Fahad Faasil who is not new to playing a common man brings out effortlessly the highs and lows of Mahesh’s life. Anusree as his onscreen lover who eventually ditches him is  good. The surprise though is young Aparna Balamurali, (see Box) who wins hands down. She plays Jimcy, a clear headed sensible girl, who ushers love once again into Mahesh’s life. New comer Lijomol as Soniamol is an actor to look out for. 

So does Mahesh avenge the insult inflicted on him and slip on a pair of size 8 Lunar Chappals?
‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram,’ is a good entertainer. 

‘Puthiya Niyamam’ is a Nayanthara film

By Mythily Ramachandran

Louis Pothen (Mammootty) and Vasuki (Nayanthara) are a happily married couple with a school going daughter.
Pothen, a lawyer deals mostly in divorce cases and is also popular as a film critic on television. Vasuki is a home-maker whose second love is Kathakali, a dance form she indulges in.  

But then something untoward happens in Vasuki’s life and that is reflected in the change of her behavior.
She is now always anxious over her daughter’s safety and after nagging Pothen she makes him buy a car so that her daughter could be dropped to school every day instead of taking the school bus. 

A chance meeting with the city’s police chief, IPS Jeena Bhai (Sheelu Abraham) emboldens Vasuki to approach her for help. From then on the story picks up speed.
Written and directed by A.K. Sajan, ‘Puthiya Niyamam’ is a Nayanthara film all along. Sajan who wrote the scripts for blockbusters (‘Nadiya Kolapetta Ratri’ and Chinthamani Kola Case) has addressed a social issue that could affect women. 

This is Nayanthara’s second film with Mammootty after ‘Bhaskar the Rascal,’ and the actress has delivered a good performance. Revealing more would be a spoiler since this psychological thriller saves the best moments for the end when curtains come down. 

And, that’s when Mammootty’s Louis Pothen takes over to reveal the twist in the tale.
So is taking the law in one’s own hands the ‘new rule?’
Check that out in ‘Puthiya Niyamam.’

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Nivin Pauly raises a toast to the cop in ‘Action Hero Biju’

Abrid Shine, shines again with his second film, proving that his maiden film, ‘1983’ was not just a flash in the pan

What’s a day in a cop’s life like?
Is it merely bashing up criminals with pent up anger?
Malayalam director, Abrid Shine’s cop tale also shows that a cop can be trusted with your woes. 

Biju Paulose (Nivin Pauly), a double post-graduate, quit his teaching job to become a sub-inspector. And, he loves his job. If Biju is not chasing criminals, he is resolving cases at his police station. 

Be it the young woman who lodges a complaint against her former employer for not paying her dues or the father who wants his daughter back after his wife eloped with his friend, Biju Paulose ensures justice. 

When it comes to dealing with criminals, Biju has a unique style. He picks up a coconut, wraps it in a towel and then thrashes them. It sure has earned him quite a reputation.
There is nothing larger than life in Biju’s role and that’s what makes this honest cop believable. 

Shine who bowled viewers over with his debut film, ‘1983,’ once wins hearts with a clean family entertainer. Shine has co-written the story with Md. Shafeeq. There is enough situational humour to bring in the chuckles. Look out for the scene where a human rights activist visits the station and confronts S.I Biju. 

There are a host of characters and each one has been well fleshed out carrying a distinct identity. Several new faces show promise. 

Suresh Thampanoor, was carrying loads on his head for a living until spotted by Abrid for his musical voice. Thampanoor plays a drunkard arrested by Biju. Thampanoor wrote the lyrics, composed tunes and sung the song ‘Muthe Ponne Pinangale.’ 

Suraj Venjaramoodu, a noted comedian, does a brilliant job as a wronged husband. His scene with his onscreen daughter leaves a lump in the throat. Rohini’s subtle performance is commendable. Anu Emmanuel as Benitta, Biju’s fiancée appears in few scenes, yet leaves a mark with her freshness. 

Although Nivin Pauly carries the film on his shoulders, every other actor is remarkable. This is Pauly’s first into production. 

Shorn of cinematic frills, ‘Action Hero Biju’ is a grounded cop tale that packs quite a punch.