Midhun Pankaj

Watched Diés Iraé by Rahul Sadasivan, the mind behind Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam. Before delving into anything else, I have to give props to Pranav Mohanlal for delivering a splendid performance as Rohan, an affluent young man with layers to his character that he pulled off remarkably well. Gibin Gopinath, a name I confess I wasn't familiar with until now, finally gets a full length role, and he doesn't disappoint. Madhusudhanan Potti, his character, demanded an unsettling eerie presence, and he delivered it with absolute conviction. Arun Ajikumar, the creative head behind the Instagram page Aesthetic Kunjamma, known for iconic posters for movies like Bramayugam and Lokah, also shines as Kiran, the younger brother of Kani, around whom the plot revolves. Despite having only a few scenes, the emotional depth he conveyed is a testament to the raw talent he possesses. The background score deserves a special mention. It's like the invisible character in any good horror movie, and this one was no exception. It elevated scenes that might otherwise have fallen flat. Not to mention the makeup crew. The continuity they were able to deliver was simply remarkable. While I'm not a huge fan of jump scares, the movie includes a fair number of them, but thankfully, Rahul Sadasivan doesn't go overboard. However, even with all these positives, the movie feels like it was better suited to a short film format. There are too many unanswered questions, unfinished plot threads, underdeveloped backstories, and a ghost seemingly lacking brain cells to rub together. Though the movie leaves a teaser for a possible sequel, and connects itself to Bhoothakaalam, Diés Iraé as a standalone experience might leave the audience puzzled by several unexplained events. A bit more clarity would've gone a long way in making it feel whole. That said, it's still a beautifully crafted movie, and if you're a fan of the horror genre, it's worth experiencing in theaters. Just wait a couple of weeks though. Your viewing experience might otherwise be spoiled by people with zero civic sense howling. Final verdict: 3½ out of 5. PS: Unsure if Madhusudhanan Potti has anything to do with Kodumon Potti from Bramayugam. Might actually be the case.

Watched Feminichi Fathima, a beautifully crafted 90 minute movie by Fasil Muhammed that tells the story of a young, conservative Muslim woman; mother of three, and married to an Usthad. It's essentially a toned down version of The Great Indian Kitchen, but without all the loudness. The title role is masterfully essayed by Shamla Hamza, who deserves all the praise in the world. She brilliantly portrays those helpless expressions while trying to keep a level head, managing endless hours of household chores. Kumar Sunil, who plays her husband, also delivers a commendable performance. The frame where he cluelessly stares at the switchboard is destined to become a popular meme someday. I'm sure of it. The movie follows a linear narrative where one event naturally leads to another, causing Fathima to reflect on the life she has been living. She observes how younger girls, even within her own community, now have a say in their lives. This realisation makes her wonder if she too can start doing something for herself to earn a living. Fasil Muhammed cleverly uses a rather embarrassing act by Fathima's elder son to weave this new chapter in her journey. I also love how the movie, in a subtly humorous way, portrays the evolution of generations and the shifting values we hold dear. It shows how even characters of certain social stature, those least likely to accept change, begin to embrace it. This helped the story end on a positive and hopeful note. Brilliantly done indeed. There were only seven of us in the theatre, and it's unlikely to stay on screens for long. So if you have time to spare, do watch it while you can. It's short, engaging, and definitely deserves a 4/5.

Malayalam cinema has never shied away from experimenting with any genre, but Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra takes the cake when it comes to the superhero space, and that too, for a supposedly cinematic universe movie. To say Lokah nailed it with its debut would be a massive understatement. It's not just about the theme, the lore, or the story. The way the screenplay was crafted is on par with some of the best Marvel or DC productions, and all of this on a fraction of their budget. Safe to say, DQ has hit the mother lode with Lokah. What makes it stand out is how the entire script revolves around myths that we've all grown up with. To weave together such familiar elements into a fresh, gripping narrative is nothing short of brilliant. It's nostalgic, yet bold, and that balance is what makes the storytelling so effective. I can't start this review without giving props to Kalyani, the heart and soul of this marvelous creation by Dominic Arun. She was an absolute delight to watch as Chandra; effortless, powerful, and perfectly cast. Naslen as Sunny, opposite her, delivered an equally commendable performance. He was very much Naslen, yet also convincingly Sunny. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but in Lokah, it simply worked. Chandu Salim Kumar was another highlight. He's always carried his dad's vibe both on and offscreen, but here he takes it to the next level. Safe to say, Salim Kumar's legacy is in very good hands. Sometimes, nepotism just works, and this was one of those times. The energy he brought was simply infectious. Being a cinematic universe, we know bigger villains and heroes are waiting in the coming chapters. But the villain in this one, played brilliantly by Sandy, deserves special mention. To put it bluntly, he was just menacing; a perfect foil to Chandra's journey. There are several other major actors strategically placed as teasers for future chapters, but I'll hold off on commenting on them for now. And the kid… wow! Who is she? She was phenomenal, especially in those action sequences. Her fight choreography was so intense, yet believable. And it wasn't just her. Kalyani's fight scenes were equally top notch. Even the guest actors got their moments to shine, particularly in the swordplay sequence by 'you know who'. Chef's kiss! The music by Jakes Bejoy elevated the entire movie. Without his background score, the movie simply wouldn't have hit as hard as it did. It tied the emotion, action, and grandeur together beautifully. Overall, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a movie that leaves you craving the next chapter. It is bold, ambitious, and proudly sets a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema. A five by five experience. Do not miss this in theaters 🔥 P.S: Watch closely, and you might just catch clever connections to other seemingly unrelated Malayalam movies we're all so familiar with.

Thudarum… What a movie! I still remember watching Drishyam at Radha Theatre, Kozhikode, on its first day. There wasn’t much publicity or hype, and the theatre was almost empty. But the kind of high it gave remained nearly unmatched, until today. I went in expecting a feelgood movie when I sat down for Thudarum, but what a brilliantly executed movie it turned out to be from Tharun Moorthy! Thudarum follows the life of Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a taxi driver living a peaceful life with his wife Lalitha (Shobana), son, and daughter, until his beloved vintage Ambassador car gets caught up in a case, dragging him into unexpected trouble with the police. Mohanlal shines in the role, delivering the kind of powerful comeback his fans have long been waiting for. Also, seriously, who is this Prakash Varma? He was an absolute delight to watch as CI George. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in Malayalam cinema going forward. Binu Pappu also did a great job as Benny. Thudarum is reminiscent of Drishyam not just in terms of the quality of its making or the depth of its storytelling. If Mollywood were a cinematic multiverse, you could almost see this story as a curse placed on Georgekutty by IG Geetha Prabhakar, but it hitting Shanmugham instead. But I won’t delve further into it, since that might spoil the movie. Another thing Tharun executed brilliantly was the use of pets to express emotions and bonds. It hits hard; almost tear jerking. The background score was also pitch perfect, keeping the audience on edge throughout. In short, Thudarum is to 2025 what Kishkindha Kandam was to 2024. I doubt there will be another Mollywood movie this year that can top this one. So don’t miss it in theatres, because it's a once in a decade gem from Lalettan. A solid five out of five from me.

Watched Maranamass, and what a laugh riot it was! Absolutely hilarious! The story and screenplay by Siju Sunny were brought to life by Shivaprasad in his directorial debut, crafting a spoof that keeps us engaged right from the getgo. Not sure if I caught all the references, but the ones I did were brilliantly done. If you're a cinephile and active on social media, you'll likely catch most of them. The story revolves around Luke (Basil Joseph), an eccentric local celebrity celebrated for his notoriety. His life takes a wild turn when he becomes a suspect in the serial killings of three elderly men in his town. Rajesh Madhavan, who played the serial killer, felt like he was goofing around at times and genuinely vicious at others. The casting was intentional, and Rajesh balanced the character really well. Props to him. Suresh Krishna, Siju Sunny, and Anishma were the other central characters, and they all did exceptionally well. Logic has no place in the realm of a spoof, so if you walk in with that mindset, this movie will not disappoint. The Ajay Ramachandran "Desp" bit still makes my tummy hurt from laughing. Miss this in theaters only if you hate having a good time. A solid 5/5 movie.

Watched Alappuzha GymKhana, and Khalid Rahman did not disappoint. It wasn’t exactly a Thallumaala, but the fight/boxing sequences were executed just as brilliantly. The movie follows a group of 12th grade students who fail to make the cut in the board exams and decide to take up boxing, hoping to use the grace marks from sports quota to further their academic journey. Naslen did a great job as Jojo Johnson, the central character around whom the story unfolds. His body transformation wasn’t something Khalid blatantly threw in our faces, and I really appreciated that. Ganapathi, Lukman, and others also had to work their butts off to get in shape for their respective roles, which everyone pulled off effortlessly. Not to mention some of the women boxers, especially the one who danced her way through a match to ace it. But the one match that really stuck with me was the third one, where the character “Cheruthu” (ചെറുത്) faced off against someone from a rival district. That fight was brilliantly choreographed and directed. Khalid somehow managed to make the audience, at least me, feel like we were in the ring with the Alappuzha GymKhana boxers. That’s something I’ve never really experienced while watching a movie. Props to that. Oh, and the background music during the matches was also spot on. Overall, it’s a great watch. I just wish the movie had done something a bit cliché and ended on a high note, instead of merely hinting at one. Also, I don’t think Ganapathi’s character had enough reason for what he did during his match. It felt like something randomly thrown in to serve the plot. But aside from that, if you enjoy well choreographed fight scenes, this is a must watch in theaters. The comedy is just a bonus. It's a solid 4/5 from me.

Watched L2E Empuraan, my first ever 6 AM fan show for any movie. Nearly 75% of the audience, myself included, turned up in black, sticking to the unwritten dress code. And the experience? Just... muah! Lucifer was essentially a political drama set almost entirely in Kerala. The Khureshi Ab'ram thread was only hinted at, subtly foreshadowing a much bigger narrative around Stephen Nedumpally. L2E Empuraan dives into that broader picture, and it’s way more expansive than I ever expected. The making was just top tier. Hats off to Prithviraj Sukumaran for that. Some sequences could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with, if not outshine, what we see in mainstream Hollywood. Murali Gopy didn’t miss either as the writer. With a story canvas far larger than Lucifer, it would've been easy to lose the plot. But Murali stayed grounded and didn’t let the narrative drift. That said, for an average viewer walking in expecting a typical Malayalam movie, L2E can feel a bit overwhelming. Scenes set in Kerala made up only a small portion, yet Prithviraj made sure the presence of Ab'ram Khureshi/ Stephen Nedumpally loomed over us heavy throughout. Not diving into the other characters here, but Zayed Masood finally got his much anticipated backstory, evolving from a mere mercenary into a character who isn't just another name. Though he enters the story late, his role feels almost as significant as Ab'ram’s. He still doesn't speak much though. Something else that was well executed were all the callbacks to Lucifer (2019). For instance, the “Kadavule pole kappavan ivan” moment in L2E hit harder than its Lucifer counterpart. On the flip side, the “Ente pillaare thodunnoda” high kick moment felt a tad underwhelming in comparison. While the "Ninne aaru rakshikkumeda" moment landed just as well as it did in Lucifer. Murali Gopy wasn’t exactly subtle about the politics discussed either. If you’re a hardcore right wing Hindutva sympathiser, the movie might actually serve as an eyeopener. There were also subtle jabs at both the Left fronts and the INC in Kerala. No offence taken though. While a few fight scenes could’ve been trimmed, L2E is still a solid theater worthy three hour ride with brilliantly crafted background score. If you aren't expecting just another typical mass Malayalam political drama, chances are you're gonna absolutely love it. It’s a 4½/5 from me. P.S. Fingers crossed for 'L3A' (wink wink). The amount of foreshadowing Murali Gopy packed in can't be for nothing. Gonna riot if it doesn't happen.

Watched Officer on Duty, and what a movie it was! While the plot had little to do with the likes of Kannur Squad or Grandmaster, it certainly evoked memories of those cinematic gems. Kunchacko Boban, known for embracing complex roles, nailed it here as Harishankar, a police officer who recently got demoted. The entire cast did a commendable job, everyone essaying through their role quite nicely, but it's the brilliantly done script by Shahi Kabir that sets this movie apart. Being a police man himself, and known for his dark police narratives like Joseph and Nayattu, Kabir once again crafts a gripping story here. Be warned though, 'casue the movie tackles sensitive topics, including POCSO content. So viewer discretion is advised. One drawback, however, was the reliance on stereotypes. The portrayal of women with short hair and piercings as substance users, men with long hair as addicts, and the cliched association of Bangalore with drugs felt outdated, and could have been handled better. Also, I've no idea why this movie is titled so 🤷🏽‍♂️ That said, Officer on Duty is still a solid 5/5. Catch it in theaters if you can. The energy, the high towards the climax, and the crowd’s applause that follows hit differently there. PS: Dear Malayalam cinema, please start using the statutory warning "Using the phone while driving is punishable under law" from now on. I've seen enough of this nonsense already.

Watched Oru Jaathi Jathakam. It's a comedy movie that follows the story of a 37 year old man, portrayed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, who is desperate to get married. The humour largely stems from the bullying and challenges faced by him as he dives into the world of matrimonial websites and marriage brokers, while stubbornly clinging to his specific set of criteria for an ideal bride. Vineeth has played a similar role before in Kunjiramayanam, and he delivers another decent performance here, effectively showcasing the frustrations, anger, and helplessness of a man in his situation. However, the comedy wouldn’t have landed as well without the stellar contributions from a large ensemble cast of familiar faces from recent Malayalam movies, along with the authentic Thalassery dialect, which added to the charm. At times, I found myself questioning whether it was appropriate to laugh at certain scenes, particularly those addressing topics related to the LGBTQ community. But the execution was so skillful that it momentarily overshadowed any concerns about political correctness. Shame on me. But that aside, it's an entertaining movie, and watching it in a packed theater should be an experience that’s well worth your time and money. It's a solid 4/5 from me.