jain jose

Review of Thudarum Rating: ★★¼ (2.25/5) One-word review: Musclesham Musclesham — that’s the only fitting way to describe Thudarum, a film that feels like a cheap knockoff of Drishyam, only acted by Chiranjeevi Garu in spirit — all muscle, zero mind. For those calling this the "comeback of actor Mohanlal," one must wonder if they remember who Mohanlal was. He was a phenomenal actor — arguably one of the greatest — but that version has been missing in action for much of the last decade. The comparison to Drishyam is especially apt, not just because both plots are eerily similar, but because it gives a clear lens to measure what’s missing. There, the tension simmered beneath the surface; here, it’s all flex and frown. That said, in a few scattered scenes, Mohanlal does show flickers of the brilliance we once knew. A glance here, a pause there — just enough to remind us that the spark isn’t completely dead. Unfortunately, those moments are isolated, and the rest of the film doesn’t bother waiting for him to catch up. The first twenty minutes give the illusion that something substantial is brewing. The character setups work, the music is well-placed, and Jakes Bejoy’s background score brings a cinematic weight the writing sorely lacks. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography also adds finesse, crafting visuals that sometimes trick you into thinking you’re watching a better film. The Mohanlal-Shobana pairing evokes nostalgia, and both Binu Pappu and Prakash Varma (in a neatly blended villain role) offer genuine performances that stand out in an otherwise confused ensemble. But then comes the crash. The plot abandons logic for loudness, and what once looked like a grounded thriller spirals into a bloated, over-the-top revenge drama. Coincidences arrive by the truckload. "Thriller? Where?" you ask. Watching Thudarum as a thriller is like sipping lemon juice and being told it’s champagne — sour, flat, and not remotely what was promised. The suspense is non-existent, the twists are telegraphed from miles away, and the only surprise is how this came from Tharun Moorthy, a director once known for thoughtful, realistic storytelling. Instead of nuanced pacing and emotional buildup, we get exaggerated hero worship, disconnected genre shifts, and a heavy-handed mass formula that feels utterly alien coming from this filmmaker. The writing tries to sound profound, but the more it reaches for depth, the more shallow it becomes. As a family film, it’s emotionally empty. As a thriller, it’s a total misfire. And as a Mohanlal vehicle, it coasts on legacy rather than effort. Even Mohanlal’s few good moments can’t mask how misplaced he feels in this script. The recycled dialogues from his earlier films land with a dull thud, often feeling inappropriate or forced — like the film is borrowing greatness it hasn’t earned. The performance overall feels checked out, like he’s waiting for the next project to do the real work. Sure, Thudarum might see box office success — that’s the power of brand value. And fans may clutch at a few moments in the second half. But if anyone insists this is "vintage Mohanlal," just hand them a copy of Drishyam and let them see the difference between nuanced acting and slow-motion.

Movie Review: Dominic and the Ladies' Purse Dominic and the Ladies' Purse is an above-average, feel-good watch, largely driven by Mammootty’s stellar performance as Dominic. His charm and wit bring the character to life, making him the film's strongest asset. Director GVM takes a risk with this film, stepping out of his usual comfort zone. While the movie has pacing issues—especially in the dragged-out first half—the comedy and Dominic’s quirky nature keep it engaging. The humor, with clever references to Mammootty’s past roles, adds a nostalgic touch, and the music, particularly Aa Rathri, is a highlight. The background score is flat in the first half but picks up in the second. Cinematography and editing are solid, maintaining the film's flow. The art direction and costumes deserve a special mention as well—they add a unique flavor to the film, complementing its nostalgic and light-hearted vibe beautifully. However, this is not your typical thriller. The film lacks the intense thriller elements one might expect, and the third act is fairly predictable early on. The film could have benefitted from avoiding some unnecessary events and characters, which would have made the journey to the climax more impactful and beautiful. Without having prior exposure to a particular film, the third act could be more enjoyable. Despite this, Dominic and the Ladies' Purse remains a breezy, enjoyable ride with hints at a potential sequel for the character. Rating: 3/5

Marco: A Messy Action Flick with Poor Storytelling Rating: 1.5/5 Marco, the latest action movie to hit the screens, left me underwhelmed and disappointed. Despite a somewhat promising start, the film completely loses its direction in the pre-climax, culminating in a lackluster finale. The cast and crew deserve credit for their hard work, but unfortunately, their efforts are let down by a poorly crafted narrative. The film's biggest flaw is its inability to provide a clear point of winning or losing, leaving the audience confused and disengaged. Technically, some scenes showcase impressive action choreography, particularly the interval fight and corridor fight. However, these moments are few and far between, and the film's overall pacing and editing are sloppy. One of the most significant issues with Marco is its treatment of violence. The film's attempt to portray the protagonist as a heroic figure falls flat due to the poor presentation of villainy in the pre-climax. The climax itself is a mess, with a weak payoff that fails to provide any sense of satisfaction or closure. Furthermore, the film's assumption that action movie audiences are brainless is insulting. The protagonist's character is poorly developed, with motivations that are unclear and actions that are often illogical. The post-credit scene, which attempts to set up a potential sequel, feels like a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship. It's a shame, really, because with some tighter storytelling and more attention to character development, Marco could have been a decent action flick. As it stands, Marco is a skippable film that fails to deliver on its promise of high-octane action and suspense. Even die-hard action fans may find themselves checking their watches during the film's overly long runtime. Positives: - Some technically impressive action scenes - Hard work from the cast and crew is evident Negatives: - Poor storytelling and narrative direction - Lackluster climax with weak payoff - Insulting assumption that action movie audiences are brainless - Poor character development and motivations - Sloppy pacing and editing Recommendation: Skip Marco unless you're a die-hard fan of the cast or crew. Even then, temper your expectations and be prepared for a disappointing viewing experience.