‘Naachiyar’: A tough police officer gets justice for a young man implicated in the rape of a minor

By Mythily Ramachandran

Tamil director Bala’s new film, ‘Naachiyaar’ is a clear departure from his earlier films that were synonymous with tragedy. It’s a solid film that bolsters its innately compelling narrative with stand -out performances by the three lead actors- Jyotika in the titular role of a no nonsense police officer Naachiyar; G.V. Prakash a poor fruit vendor Kaathu, who is framed in the rape of minor and newcomer Ivana as Arasi, a domestic maid in love with Kaathu. And, this love story told against a police investigation leaves you smiling- a first with a Bala film.   

‘Naachiyar’ though pegged around lovers Kaathu and Arasi, also dwells on the career of an upright and tough police officer, Naachiyar, who does not rest until justice is done to Arasi.

The love story of Arasi and Kaathu is set rolling with a  ten rupee note that Arasi owes Kaathu during an auto ride. Their subsequent meetings are told humorously as Bala builds the relationship between the two teenagers. One thing leads to another and Arasi is pregnant.

Nachiyaar is a much dreaded police officer known for her tough handling of culprits. But inside this mother of two girls, there lurks a compassionate woman who begins to care for Arasi. Unrelenting in her search for the man responsible for Arasi’s condition, Jyotika strides tall as Nachiyar. Holding back no punches, it’s a power packed performance that Jyotika delivers.    

Music composer turned actor G.V. Prakash who started his acting career as the jilted lover in ‘Darling’ is barely recognisable. Under director Bala, Prakash putty like transforms completely into the simpleton that Kaathu is. With this role that is far away from his earlier lover boy characters, Prakash raises the bar for himself with a breakout performance. He completely owns Kaathu.

New comer Ivana plays the perfect tango to Prakash. Pregnant with a child, her Arasi comes with a playful  streak and a maturity in which Kaathu finds compassion. Good humour accompanies the scenes between Kaathu and Arasi and generates a nice onscreen chemistry-the tenderness in their love is tangible almost. 

Interwoven into this investigation are few nice moments, like the Muslim wedding scenes. The supporting cast deserves mention-producer cum actor Rockline Venkatesh plays Naachiyaar’s colleague; the young actors playing the juvenile criminals who bully Kaathu at the remand home show talent and the actor playing Kaathu is not easily forgotten.

This Bala film clearly wins with a magnanimous lesson on true love.    

Mayanadhi- This mystic river directed by Aashiq Abu carries a beautifully made romantic thriller

‘Mayaanadhi,’ written by scenarists duo Syam Pushkaran  and Dileesh Nair is directed by Aashiq Abu. Cradled inside this crime thriller is a romantic drama. Many love stories have been narrated. ‘Mayaanadhi’ is a compelling watch with its exquisite writing and top notch performances of all the actors, I repeat all. 

Mathan (Tovino Thomas) a driver for a gang that deals with counterfeit currency is on the run after he accidentally kills a policeman. Close at Mathan’s  heels are a team of three policemen from Tamil Nadu. He decides to escape to Dubai but before that he meets up with Appu, (Aishwarya Lexmi) the woman he loves immensely.

Mathan’s idea of a dream life is sharing it with his beloved Appu in a beautiful home and with pups for company. That’s our first introduction to him. We only hear him talking. Whetting our appetite further is his friend’s reply-‘You are always talking about the future.’ Mathan replies-‘Because I screwed my past and the present.’

There is no hurry in the story telling. Little by little we peek into their past while observing them in the present.
Mathan arrives in Kochi to meet Appu, an aspiring actress juggling between auditions for that big break and doing ad films on the side. Appu is at a roadside eatery waiting for her order. Hungry and irritated with his presence, Appu retorts with a tight slap on his face when he asks her-“Is there hope in our relationship?

Bringing in characters from the fringe of their lives, the canvas becomes an interesting watch. Appu’s widowed mother who still believes in their rich past reveals her snob attitude during a family wedding, when she pushes Appu into emceeing the event-insisting that she speak in English; the chechi (elder sister) who shares accommodation with Appu and always has something to lament over; Sameera, Appu’s friend, a glamorous star who passes on the gown she wore for an event to Appu; the counselor friend (Darshana Rajendran) helping Sameera deal with depression.

Every character is finely crafted and the actors with their spontaneous performance bring them alive onscreen and convincingly.

Mathan, an engineering college drop-out, he began making money as an admission broker and later joined a gang. Belying his tough exterior, Mathan is a little boy at heart who craves for Appu’s love. And when on the run, he seeks refuge under his old boss, who is not happy as he has turned over a new leaf.

Tovino Thomas is splendid. He infuses Mathan with a child like charm. Not one to lag behind, Aishwarya Lexmi matches him for every step. Their onscreen chemistry roars. The emotions are profound. Aishwarya Lexmi deftly conveys Appu’s insecurity and her confidence too with a finesse seldom seen in newcomers.

Tamil actors, Ilavarasu as the Tamil Nadu police officer is at his best. Harish, who has been mostly playing negative characters that are loud and dagger- happy is a junior police officer here. His subtle performance is commendable. Look out for Lijo Pellisery, Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph in amusing cameos.  

Several moments stay with you. The scene with the three friends, Appu, Darshana and Sameera bonding over wine is one. Darshana’s rendering of ‘Bavra Mann’ (a song from Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi) is a beautiful poetry under the night sky.

Captain: Jayasurya carries this poignant tale of an unsung hero on his shoulders-a tribute to late V.P. Satyan

By Mythily Ramachandran              

‘Captain’ is the story of a man who loved football beyond himself- so intense was his love for the game, that unheeding his coach’s advice, V.P. Satyan of Kerala Police continued playing in a match despite an injured foot. And, dismissing the agony of his foot, Satyan brought glory to Kerala with the Santosh Trophy- a cup that had been eluding the state for the past nineteen years. Journalist turned director Prajesh Sen scores a goal on his maiden attempt.

‘Captain’ is told in a non-linear narration. Sen takes viewers back and forth  through Satyan’s life. Beginning with a match in 1999 in Kathmandu, where Satyan missed a penalty shot, Sen  brings us back to Pallavaram station in Chennai where Satyan met his end on the railway tracks. The outstanding football player who led India nine times became a depressed man when unable to play football-his first love as he claimed always to wife Anitha.
Satyan grew up in Kannur where he found his first love-he picked up a pair of discarded shoes to play football. An injury during his childhood days never healed, accompanying him through life. From a much  feared key player in the local clubs, Satyan’s rise in the football arena is laid out.  

‘Captain’ is also the story of Anitha, Satyan’s wife. She never wanted to marry a football player in the first place and disliked policemen too. After declining his proposal initially, Anitha finds love in Satyan and the devoted wife quits her engineering studies to support his passion for football.

Jayasurya throws himself completely into the role and in the gifted actor’s hands, Satyan is an ordinary man with his own weaknesses. Anu Sithara is pitch perfect, complementing Jayasurya’s performance. And you feel for the man who battled suicidal tendencies. More so for the widow and the daughter, who are left behind. Did football kill Satyan?

Mention must be made of the good performance by the supporting actors-Siddique as a crazy football lover and Satyan’s well-wisher; Renji Panicker as Satyan’s coach; Janardhanan as the Chief Minister whose encouragement went a long way for Satyan and Saiju Kurup as the arrogant senior police officer who humiliates Satyan.

 

Hey Jude-A feel good entertainer that talks about accepting people for who they are

‘Hey Jude’ is a Malayalam romantic tale that does not fit into the regular template of love stories. Directed by Shyamaprasad and based on script written by Nirmal Sahadev and George Kanatt, ‘Hey Jude’ carries a sensitive message on Asperger’s Syndrome.

Jude (Nivin Pauly), a young software professional loves crunching numbers and leaves his father speechless when he mentally multiplies two five digit numbers-faster than his father’s calculator.
His other love is studying fishes. Jude can spend hours observing them. Finicky about his diet-he loves really crisp dosas and will not eat beans; Jude follows his eating schedule with a military regimen. There are times when child like he stomps angrily into his room. At work his boss considers Jude an intelligent worker. Jude’s candid nature and honesty- traits not at all appreciated by his father, Dominique (Siddique)-is what makes him lovable.

Dominique manages an antique- goods store and has no scruples about telling his customers-“This is the only piece available in India. There might be another one in London museum,” when actually he has several more inside. 

Jude’s mother Maria (Neena Kurup) is a homemaker spending time in prayers. Jude’s younger sister, the street smart Andrea finds delight in making her brother the butt of jokes. 

Following the demise of his aunt, Dominique arrives in Goa with Maria and Jude. And, the miser, who counts every penny, cannot contain his joy on learning that his aunt has bequeathed her property to him and Jude.
However, his happiness is short-lived after he learns about the tenant living in the outhouse, - a retired psychiatrist Sebastian (Vijay Menon) and his daughter Crystal (Trisha). Dominique cannot evict them now since their rental lease expires only after two years. Dominique’s problem is compounded further when he sees that Jude is spending more  time at the Sebastian home and with Crystal. Get the drift.

The writing is fantastic. Every character is  distinctly carved with their own quirks. Crystal who runs a café on the beaches of Goa is an antithesis to Jude. A fun loving party-animal, this vocalist of a music band enjoys swimming while the socially -awkward Jude  is petrified of water.

The actors completely own their roles-Nivin Pauly in Jude’s shoes has gained weight. His nerdy appearance with glasses, shirt buttoned to the top and that perpetual anxious look on his face makes Jude real.
I loved Jude’s daily ritual of recording his diary into a video camera.
The scene between Jude and Crystal in an intimate moment is cute, with Jude running away when Crystal wants to kiss him. That was a class act by Pauly.

Trisha brings Crystal with an attitude that only she is capable of. If Siddique was the understanding father in ‘Aadhi’ his Dominique is a contrast to Aadhi’s father. Vijay Menon’s Sebastian is a nice surprise. Neat humour is woven into the story especially scenes involving Dominique and his one -upmanship with Sebastian. Aju Verghese also entertains in a cameo role.
DOP Gangadharan takes viewers on a visually appealing journey from Kerala to Goa.  

Drawing awareness to Asperger’s Syndrome and bi-polar disorder in the most sensitive manner without subjecting the characters to ridicule, ‘Hey Jude’ is a fun ride and not a story of pity and melodrama-rather a story of self-discovery by Jude and Crystal.