The versatility in convincing art is considered a special skill that involves almost every department of labour. So is the cinema. Human beings are fond of representations. The more engaging it is, the more reminiscing it will be. As another weekend is on, Binged would love to suggest a feel-good flick that can be a satiable watch for the day.
‘Monsoon Mangoes’ (2016) is a Malayalam comedy-drama film written and directed by debutant Abi Varghese. The film stars actor Fahadh Faasil in the lead, and Iswarya Menon as its female lead, along with actors Vinay Fort, Tovino Thomas, Sanju Sivaram, and Vijay Raaz in supporting roles respectively. The movie is produced by Thampy Antony for Kayal Films. The screenplay has been penned by Naveen Bhaskar, Matt Grubb, and the director himself. The technical labour includes the handling of cinematography by Lukasz Pruchnick, editing done by Don Max, and music composed by Jakes Bejoy.
The movie tells the story of Daveed Pallikkal a.k.a ‘D.P’, an ambitious young man in his early 30s, settled in the suburb of New Orleans who wishes to be a film director. He attempts to make a film named Monsoon Mangoes after producing some unsuccessful short films. For this venture Daveed ropes in an old Bollywood actor who was a hero in a few films, who now lives to make ends meet.
The performances by Fahadh, Vinay, and Vijay Raaz bring humour and deliver excellent performances, thereby adding a watchable factor to the film. Also, the movie is a pure inspiration from various Hollywood classics which are meant to be made for international audiences. The concept of ‘Film in the film’ is beautifully and soothingly executed here, which is thereby a balanced ingredient for a feel-good flick.
However, as the film especially talks about amateurish filmmaking and its philosophy, this might not give justice to the audience who came to this one for a time pass. Hence, the viewers would have to put an open mind, without giving any assumptions or predictions about the movie.
Do make an effort to see this movie on Amazon Prime Video or YouTube.
1. https://youtu.be/viPHF0tUuKA?si=q4GhQLYP3Qz24vEk (On YouTube)
2. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Monsoon-Mangoes/0TN65VLSSC24X0RFRA8MVB5DDI (Amazon Prime Video)