What Is the Story About?
Praveen (Praveen), gets interested in Computers since childhood. He later plans to open a software company after gaining exposure in the field. The problem is the time for ‘Computers’ have not yet arrived in India (late Eighties-early Nineties). It leaves him frustrated as he cannot get a loan processed for starting the business.
Venkataraman (Jagan Krish), Praveen’s father, works locally as the Head of the Post Office. A huge sum from the post office’s locker is lost one day, and he comes under tremendous pressure. What does Praveen do and whether he succeeds in establishing the company is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances?
Acting is not the primary strength of the cast in Pothanur Thabal Nilayam. But, there is an effort nonetheless to create a believable and relatable character with a compelling drama. It is this relatability that works.
Praveen and Anjali Rao are adequate for their respective parts. There is more drama for Praveen being the lead. He does a sincere job, but the deficiencies are glaringly obvious. Anjali Rao looks more settled comparatively, but she has a poor role in making an impact.
Analysis
Praveen directs the movie besides providing the story, screenplay and dialogues. Pothanur Thabal Nilayam has a simple story, but it’s the setting and the script where it works.
As the title suggests, it is related to a Post Office background. The setting takes us back to the 90s, but it isn’t a nostalgia-based drama. What we have is a thriller set in the past.
The movie’s opening doesn’t generate enough interest, mainly due to the making and the sluggish pace. The amateurishness screams in the face concerning the execution. There is a short film vibe throughout.
But, as the narrative progresses, one is engaged in the proceedings. The effect is because of the detailing in the presentation. The subtle (and some not so) bits of nostalgia thrown around the setting also helps the cause.
It is only around the hour mark when the real story begins that one is genuinely engaged. The thriller angle with the search for money works well. Again, the problem is execution more than the actual content.
The simple details and plot movement is neatly done. The whole thing builds up to the climax, which is alright. The exchange between the primary characters concerning the core theme is acceptable. An additional extended ending serves as a setup for the second part. It could have been done better.
Overall, Pothanur Thabal Nilayam is a decent crime drama. Its background and nineties setting and the details related to them make the movie tick. Give it a try if you like simple tales with thriller elements.
Other Artists?
Jagan Krish, Venkat Sundar, Seetharaman and Deena Angamuthu play minor supporting roles. Among them, Jagan and Venkat easily stand out. The former as the good guy makes a convincing portrayal, whereas the latter as the hero’s sidekick friend is alright. Seetharaman is a good casting choice for the part as the looks take care of most of the work. Deena Angamuthu is okay in a small role. The rest of the actors have a lesser duration and aren’t that impressive either.
Music and Other Departments?
Tenma’s background score effectively builds the right mood for the setting and the theme. Technically the movie is weak besides the music. Sukumaran Sundar’s work as a cinematographer gives a short film vibe to the film, as mentioned previously. Praveen’s editing could have been better in the initial hour.
Highlights?
Screenplay
Details Of Setting
Second Hour
Drawbacks?
Amateurish Making
Writing (For The Most Part)
Slow Pace
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Pothanur Thabal Nilayam Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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