What Is the Story About?
Arun (Vaibhav) is a married guy with a cute daughter. He also has a nagging uncle who comes to his home as a guest for few days.
Malaysia To Amnesia’s story kicks off when Arun’s is found on the streets of Chennai, losing his memory. But did he really lose his memory? What happened to his Malaysia trip? Where it all ends is what the movie is all about?
Performances?
Vibhav playing the lead role is below par. It is a simple part, but it misses the intensity and the fun. The bland portrayal is to be blamed here more than anything. Still, there are a couple of moments towards the end, like the reactions when the wife shares details about marriage, which are fine. But, such scenes are far too less for the screen time of the character.
Analysis
Radha Mohan directs the movie. He specialises in these small scale movies with engaging yet straightforward ideas and content. His additional speciality is a believable and humorous narrative within the apartment setting. Malaysian To Amnesia is too simple, even for his standards.
The story is about a cheating husband and him growing up and realising the love for his wife. It is as straightforward as it gets. Radha Mohan tries to bring a new twist to it via the ‘memory loss’ angle. Apart from that, and a few typical characterisations from the director, there is nothing else in the movie.
Radha Mohan gets it right with the casting, but there must be something more to hold the audience’s attention. It is the ‘writing’. Even on this score, there is a visible effort. But, amidst all these, the screenplay goes for a toss. It is dull and boring, to say the least, barring a few portions.
The beginning of the film is intriguing. But, it soon leads to a contrived twist. It is still alright. But, when the investigation angle is brought into the narrative, it gets repetitive and boring.
The entire set of events involving Arun and his uncle feel stretched beyond necessary. It doesn’t help the character of Arun stays passive all through. His ‘uncle and ‘friend’ are the ones who carry the entire burden. They do the entertainment business until the pre-climax, when a couple of emotional scenes take place.
Few scenes do provide a little chuckle, mainly due to the performances of the actors. It is fine, but the repeated attempt to invoke laughs through the same situation becomes tiring.
The mixing of investigative fun and emotional drama is not done correctly. It keeps the narrative uneven throughout. The lighter tone further suppresses the drama. Maybe it’s the style of Radha Mohan that doesn’t work here.
The ending bit is fine and is unexpected. One only wishes there were similar surprises narrative-wise previously, as well.
Overall, Malaysia To Amnesia is a comedy-drama with a wafer-thin and predictable plot. The casting and writing work in parts. Give it is a try if you like to watch something fun but repetitive stuff. Otherwise, stay away.
Other Artists?
Vani Bhojan plays a regular housewife character from a small town background with ease. She has not much to do in the narrative, but she is pretty solid whenever she gets the chance.
The real highlight of the film characterisation wise is MS Bhaskar. He steals the show with his overenthusiastic nagging uncle act as Mannargudi Mannar. His dialogue delivery and comic timing are superb, although nothing new. All his interactions with Vaibhav and Karunakaran are the key to engaging with the proceedings. If one doesn’t mind it, it is good for the entire movie. If they don’t, it could be a tiring watch.
Karunakaran is the other actor who gets a meaty role as the friend of the hero. He is in his elements and delivers the required. Together, MS Bhaskar and Karunakaran are the lifelines of the movie. The rest of the actors are alright in small parts.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Premgi Amaren is okay. The background score is decent, even though it feels routine for the terrain. The cinematography by Mahesh Muthuswamy is alright. It sticks to the basics without being flashy. The editing is okay. The writing is heavier than necessary. A feeling of too much talk arises at times.
Highlights?
Casting
Short Length
Climax Portions
Drawbacks?
Weak Story
Repetitiveness
Un-engaging Screenplay
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Malaysia To Amnesia Tamil Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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