What Is the Story About?
Kuttan (Mammootty) is a senior police officer who is widowed and has a kid, Kichu. His younger sister has eloped, giving him a lot of pain mentally, and then there are mysterious attacks to kill him. He is an old-school guy with a regressive mentality, and it reflects in his control over Kichu (Vasudev Sajeesh Marar) and his interactions with his brother-in-law.
Who is trying to kill Kuttan? What happens when Kuttan’s sister Bharati (Parvathi Thiruvothu) unexpectedly comes to stay in the same apartment? How these different threads come together forms the movie’s overall plot.
Performances?
Mammootty has picked another character that allows him to push as an actor. Here he plays Kuttan, a hateful, bigoted character. The way he goes about the whole process subtly makes the act brilliant, and the portrayal terrifying. There are two more layers courtesy of the relationship with the kid and the deteriorating health condition. Mammootty nails them all with perfection. That one ends up hating Kuttan is a testament to his act.
Analysis
Ratheena PT is the debutant directing Puzhu. He has picked a simple and predictable subject but tries his best to freshen it up with the setting and characters. If one has seen the trailer, it would be slightly misleading regarding expectations.
The opening drama segment sets the expectation related to the pacing, and then when we know a bit about the primary characters, it is clear where the movie is headed. It is that predictable. Just the mention of the word ‘caste’ suffices. But, despite a predictable story, what makes Puzhu a decent watch is the setting and the characters.
The principal characters essayed by Mammootty, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Appunni Sasi are the main reason for any interest in the movie. They have all done their parts well and lend a gripping quality to the proceedings.
We know what will happen, but with Mammootty and others at the helm, some interest in created even when it’s predictable stuff.
The writing is also acceptable, along with the background score. The combination of performances and the technical departments hold things together.
Story-wise, the father and son progression is good despite the languid pace. However, the way it ends feels dissatisfactory. As we move towards the final act, the thread is slowly reduced for regular stuff within the ‘caste-based-movies’ subjects. The ending is alright, but it could have been handled better.
Overall, Puzhu is a predictable drama that is extremely slow-paced. The performances save the day and make it a passable watch. Give it a try if you like to watch acting oriented dramas, and the pace is not an issue.
Other Artists?
Parvathy Thiruvothu and Appunni Sasi play the couple in love and elope and get married against the family’s wishes. Parvathy is a lovely presence, and she makes the character compelling with her natural looks and present itself. There is no ‘acting’ perse, but the emotions hit the right chord where they are meant. Appunni Sasi is also fine playing an upright guy, never losing dignity and, at the same time, maintaining the fun. The confidence that he exudes makes the character and the rest of the dynamics related to the story work.
Vasudev Sajeesh Marar is good as the young boy silently suffocating under the father’s overprotectiveness and caring. The drama related to his tracks is a new element in the overall story.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Jakes Bejoy is superb. There is a minimal sound most of the time, but when the music comes, it enhances the mood and appeal. The visuals are in tune with the overall ‘normality’. Theni Eswar gets a tough job of capturing ordinary moments. It is alright. The pacing is deliberately slow. Deepu Joshep has done the editing well with that in mind. The writing is fine even though there is less talk.
Highlights?
Performances
Background Score
Writing
Drawbacks?
Predictable Story
Slow Pace
Routine Ending
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, With Reservations
Puzhu Malayalam Movie Reviewby Binged Bureau
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