What Is the Story About?
Das (Saiju Kurup) is a typical honest cop with a bit of attitude and a quirk. It leads to conflict with influential people locally and within the department.
All hell breaks loose one day when a random guy almost murders Das’s daughter. Das charges at the powerful guy in a rage, which has a ripple effect. What follows next is an investigation (involving Antakashari) to take the events forward. Did Das solve the mystery, or did the system get better of him is the movie’s overall plotline.
Performances?
Saiju Kurup is seen playing a cop in the movie. Usually seen in supporting parts, he plays a full-fledged lead role here in Antakshari. The actor is convincing as the no-nonsense cop with a quirk related to the musical game of Antakshari.
In a role tailor-made to suit Saiju Kurup’s strengths, he shines bright. The vulnerability that he brings to the part makes it a relatable and enjoyable act. The intensity could be a bit more during the ending portion, but that’s alright.
Analysis
Vipin Das writes and directs Antakshari. It is a typical police procedural investigative thriller with a musical touch. It makes for a musical thriller in a way.
Right from the start, there is an unease feeling, and it is maintained throughout. It is mainly due to the tone more than anything else. The way the movie starts and the opening sequence ends should suffice. But there’s more with the whole flashback thing.
The ultra-serious tone and touch of dark comedy don’t smoothly integrate into a narrative. It is why one is left either cold or frustrated with the way things evolve in the first half an hour. The slow pace to establish the characters additionally aggravates the situation.
Once the attack on the Das’ daughter happens, there is some moment. Unfortunately, it stagnates immediately. The entire neighbourhood track feels needless added on. It only increases the length and the frustration.
The red-herring setup via subplots deviates the proceedings too much away from the core plot. They do get connected one way or the other in the end, but that feels a little too late if one isn’t following them closely.
There is an interest in the narrative once the mystery is revealed or close to being a revelation. It is maintained that way until the end, despite the predictability of the whole it. We get that feeling due to the solid direction and excellent background score.
The ending is straight out of a mass movie of sorts, but it goes well with the story. The action feels very organic, even though it could have been done well. The songs used in the ‘Antakshari’ and the lyrics could be enjoyed more knowing the context.
Overall, Antakashari is a middling investigative thriller that has its moments. The uneven tone and muddled narrative impact the viewer’s attention. What could have been a gripping thriller ends up being decent in parts. Give Antakshari a try if you like the genre.
Other Artists?
There are not many ‘bigger’ parts than the hero, but even the smaller ones have their importance in the tale. Sudhi Koppa, for example, is neat in his supporting role. Priyanka Nair excels as a mother frightened of the situation. She leaves her mark as an actor with those scenes. The actors playing the cops are natural and have a scene or two to shine. The rest are alright.
Music and Other Departments?
Ankit Menon’s background score is a major highlight of the movie. If not for his exemplary work, the film would have fallen flat with its documentary sort of execution. Bablu Aju’s cinematography is decent, but there is a distinct ‘documentary’ feel to the movie many times. John Kutty’s editing could have been crisper. There is a lethargic feel to the narrative.
Highlights?
BGM
Casting
Setting
Musical Thriller Idea
Drawbacks?
Uneven Tone
Muddled Narrative
Flat In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Antakshari Movie Review by Binged Bureau