‘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.