What Is the Story About?
“Kuwait” Vijayan has managed to find a young man to marry his second daughter, Suja, but there is one catch – the engagement has to happen this Monday, before the potential groom returns to work in Sharjah, U.A.E. Despite the quick date, Vijayan agrees and he starts preparing for the betrothal. His close relatives start to come home for the auspicious event – including his pregnant daughter & husband, his late brother’s family and his sister’s family, etc. However, Suja seems to be having second thoughts and seems to be reluctant with this upcoming proposal. Why is she against this proposal? What is she going to do to get out of it?
Performances?
While the film doesn’t have many well-known actors, the acting in Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is quite brilliant. This movie depends on multiple nuanced performances from almost every actor on screen and they all deliver for their director. The film is shown from the perspective of many characters, including Vijayan, Suja, Lalitha, Surabhi, Santhosh, Sujith and even a side character – Girish. Except for Girish, every other character mentioned above is a lead character in the film. Arpith PR and Ajisha Prabhakaran’s performances as the youngest son, Sujith and the quiet matriarch, Lalitha, respectively, are quite understated, onscreen. Unnimaya Nalappadam and Anagha Narayanan are brilliantly cast as the sisters Surabhi and Suja, respectively.
However, Manoj KU who portrays the patriarch of the family, Vijayan, is the best actor on screen. Manoj gets the most amount of screen time and the way his character goes through various emotions is a sight to behold in Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam. Vijayan does an amazing job and the film should be watched, just for his onscreen performance. Sunil Surya deserves a mention for his performance as Surabhi’s husband (and Vijayan’s son-in-law), Santhosh.
Analysis
On paper, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is a simple and predictable film, just from its synopsis. The younger daughter is getting engaged against her wishes, a father in a financial crisis, other members of the family keeping their own secrets, etc. are all things we have seen before in other films and movies. Yet, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam manages to be unique with its setting, style, acting and particularly with its immense number of setup & payoffs.
The film starts off with a couple of friends drinking in an abandoned bus stand in the middle of the night before getting interrupted by a couple of cops who are on the way to Vijayan’s house. Fast forward towards the end of the film, we find out why the cops are going to meet Vijayan and the friends end up finding the missing couple. Vijayan asks his wife about a bitter gourd dish, which she makes for him the very next day. Sujith’s girlfriend, Manisha runs away from home because her family wants her to return to South Africa – which we know about when Sujith argues with her on the phone, much earlier. Ambu, the village drunk who is subtly mentioned as a person who causes problems at nearly every event – “stops” a major problem by creating a scene himself. Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is filled with multiple setups & payoffs such as the aforementioned ones – some so subtle that you will almost miss them and some so blatant that you are surprised that it still happens. Still, somehow without being overbearing or repetitive, this system of setups & payoffs plays a huge part in counteracting the slow pace of the film.
And that is probably the worst part of this film – the slow pacing. The entire movie is quite slow and that can get a little boring. There are many times when you will be tempted to just skip through some scenes – but the script and the aforementioned “system” should help one stay their hand. The songs in Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam also help the story move at a faster rate as well. But the pacing is noticeable and it becomes a problem during the second half. But eventually, the plot and the acting wins out and the story starts to pick up pace. The actors are given a lot of leeway in this film and it can be easily noticed. While most of the roles require finesse, we can see that the director has left the actor to their devices and they are extremely comfortable onscreen.
This brings us to the story and direction. It is obvious that Senna Hegde had a clear vision in his head about how the story will go and his final product practically sings. He has a well written script and with the help of some quality actors, he has got a brilliant film in hand. Of course there are some small issues such as the pacing, the inconsequential democracy vs dictatorship debate (this might have worked if it had been elaborated more), etc., but for the most part – the premise and story makes Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam a quality film.
Overall, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam is a really good film. The film drags on here and there and can get a little boring but trust in the premise of the film, for you will be richly rewarded. The film will probably appeal more to the Malayali speakers, but there is more than enough in the film to interest the non-Malayali speaking subscribers as well.
Other Artists?
Like we mentioned earlier, a side character, Girish gets a good amount of screentime as a man who is infatuated with Suja. The actor who portrays him, Ranji Kankol is unforgettable and he pretty much is a comedic force all on his own. Of course, we can’t forget the actors from the very first setup of the film who appear in the first five minutes of the movie. They are barely shown onscreen, but their mannerisms and onscreen behavior plays a surprisingly important role in Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam. Narayanan C, Sajin Cherukayil and Anuroop all deserve special mentions as well.
Music and Other Departments?
The music and cinematography are quite good. However, the script and direction by Senna Hegde is even better. The writer director had a clear picture about the film from the start and he has done a brilliant job in incorporating it onscreen. The editing department also deserves a special mention as well.
Highlights?
Premise/Plot
Multiple Setups & Payoffs
Acting
Drawbacks?
Slow Pacing
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. You will need some patience, but it is well worth it.
Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam Review by Binged Bureau
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