What Is the Story About?
Pavithran and Haripriya are a young couple who are currently separated from each other. Their mutual friend, Shivan manages to convince them to get back together. To rekindle their romance, Shivan advises Pavithran to take Haripriya away for a vacation. However, the hotel they choose to stay at, seems to be run by (and filled) with some ridiculous characters. Will the couple be alright? What could possibly go wrong?
Performances?
While the film initially focuses on Pavithran and Haripriya, we are introduced to another ten characters by the end of half an hour – with all of them sharing screen time with Nivin Pauly and Grace Antony, who play Pavithran and Haripriya, respectively. Both Nivin and Grace are well cast as the couple. Nivin has immersed himself into the role, having gained weight for it. Still, while Nivin is a brilliant actor and is more than decent in Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham, he is easily overshadowed by Grace, who is very memorable in this film. Both actors are expressive with their faces, but Grace manages to steal the show with her face, voice and body language. She has a couple of very funny comedic moments on screen.
However, a special mention needs to be given to two other actors – Vinay Forrt and Jaffer Idukki. Vinay’s portrayal of a manager who is barely holding a hotel establishment together and Jaffer Idukki’s portrayal of a man who is slowly getting more and more drunk as the film progresses are the best performances in Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham. When either of these actors’ appear onscreen you are instantly captivated.
Analysis
Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham is a situational comedy film that entirely depends on the actors more than the film script. While there is a story in this film somewhere, it is mostly pointless, except for a small change in the marriage dynamic between Harpriya and Pavithran. The film is pretty funny, and causes some unexpected laughs and it all depended on finding the right actor for each role.
And that is the thing in this film – finding the right actor for the right role. Here are the main characters in this movie – Our lead couple, Haripriya & Pavithran, their common friend Shivan, the hotel manager Jobi, hotel supervisor Vijesh Nair, the receptionist Shalini, novelist Balachandran, psychologist Chandrachoodan, the hotel boys Manaf & Saji and the drunkard Sura. Each character has a lot to do onscreen and therefore requires the right actor to portray them. This is where the casting director shines. One of the best parts of the film is its actors, and the casting director deserves credit for bringing together these actors to perform these key roles.
However there is barely any story to talk about. Majority of the film is spent focusing on the aforementioned group of characters – one among them seemingly has stolen a pair of gold earrings. And we spent the entirety of the film going through different situations as they arise, which is only worth watching because of the actors who portray these characters. Their timing, especially Jaffer Idukki and Vinay Forrt’s phone, are brilliant and the comedy is what makes us stay till the end.
Despite all that, the film is unnecessarily long and not that well-paced. Sure, you do not notice the length of the film for a long time, but during a couple of new onscreen situations, we do feel that the film is starting to drag a bit. Still, the actors manage to get us back on track and the film is worth finishing. Haripriya and Pavithran’s marriage brings an interesting dynamic to the whole film – it is a unique marriage, and how that marriage parallels current societal decision making is the main takeaway from this film.
Overall, Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham is a film that should be watched for its cast and acting. While the film may not take us anywhere, be it intellectually, emotionally or spiritually – it is a decent one-of-a-kind comedy film that is a good one-time watch.
Other Artists?
Vincy Aloshious as the receptionist Shalini is brilliant. She doesn’t have much to do on screen compared to others, but she makes herself known whenever the camera is directed at her. Sudheesh as Shivan and Rajesh as Manaf are quite memorable as well, both being notably funny.
Music and Other Departments?
While the final story is quite thin, the final screenplay is pretty good and we can’t really make any changes to it (nor do we want to). As mentioned multiple times already, the casting director has done a brilliant job in this film. The editing, music and direction are all good as well.
Highlights?
Acting
Comedy
Drawbacks?
The Story
Pacing & Length
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, it was decent.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. If you have a couple of hours for a fairly decent comedy movie, then check it out.
Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham Review by Binged Bureau
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