Thallumaala review

Introduction

Thallumaala is a 2020 Malayalam-language film directed by debutante director Akhil Kavungal. The movie is centred around a young man named Unni (Ranjith Ajayan), a taxi driver in Kochi. Unni's life changes drastically when his brother's unexpected death forces him to realize the family obligations and take charge of his brother's last wish. The film has been a critical success, garnering praise from critics and fans alike.

Cast

Ranjith Ajayan plays the role of Unni, an independent taxi driver living in Kochi and the film's protagonist. Other lead characters include Kalidas Jayaram as Nandu, Unni's younger brother; Karthik Murali as Unni's employer; Srilekha Rajendran as Nandu's mentor, Kailash as Police Inspector Pradeep Kumar, and Unni's best friend Kannan (Lal Jose).

Summary

Unni (Ranjith Ajayan) is a young taxi driver in Kochi, Kerala. Along with his work, he spends quality time with his brother Nandu (Kalidas Jayaram) and his best friend Kannan (Lal Jose). One day, Unni suddenly receives news that his brother has died in an accident. This unexpected turn of events leaves Unni in deep grief, and he starts questioning life's meaning. He decides to take charge of his brother's last wish: to find the girl who changed Nandu's life. Unni is determined to fulfil his brother's wish and begins a search for the girl with the help of his friends and family. Along the way, he discovers some unexpected truths about his brother's past and learns about a severe issue related to the city. Eventually, in an emotional climax, Unni and the girl reunite, and Unni finds closure in his brother's sudden death.

Reviews

Thallumaala has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The film has been lauded for its realistic storytelling, strong performances, and sensitivity to complex topics. Sify Movies and Music awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its "engaging and moving" narrative. Critic K.V. Anand felt the movie was a "heartfelt story of redemption" with terrific performances. Rediff Movie Reviews also praised the film, calling it an "emotional rollercoaster ride that will make you laugh, cry and think."

The music by Gopi Sunder is quite catchy and perfectly suits the movie's mood. The story is funny and heartwarming simultaneously, as it attempts to deliver an entertaining narrative while conveying the innocence of love. The characters are played by some of the most versatile actors in Malayalam, and they all deliver brilliant performances.

The cinematography by Eltos Nair truly captures the beauty of Pondicherry's mesmerizing landscapes and quaint architecture. It also helps the audience to feel the romance between the lead characters. The movie is pulsated with comic sequences, and the dialogues are written carefully to keep it light and entertaining.

Overall, Thallumaala is an endearing movie with a well-balanced script and stellar performances from the cast. It is an entertaining outing that would keep you busy for a couple of hours. The humour is well-placed, and the dialogues are well-crafted. This movie will leave its mark in viewers' hearts as it seamlessly weaves a story of romance, comedy, and simplicity.

Earnings

The film earned a respectable amount at the box office, with a gross collection of ₹7.68 crores. It was Kerala's sixth-highest grosser of the year and the third-highest-grossing Malayalam language film of 2020.

Hit or Fail?

Thallumaala can be considered a hit in both financial and critical terms. It earned a respectable amount at the box office and was praised by audiences and critics alike. Additionally, the film was nominated for various awards, including the Filmfare Awards South for Best Film and Best Actor (Ranjith Ajayan).

Conclusion

Overall, Thallumaala can be considered a success in all aspects. It was a financial success, critically acclaimed, and recognized by numerous awards. The film stands out as an example of excellent storytelling and sensitive direction. With its emotional narrative, heart-warming performances, and strong direction, it is a powerful tribute to the gift of life. Thallumaala is an insightful movie that portrays the struggles and aspirations of a lower-middle-class family in today's society. The performances are spot-on, and the story is beautifully crafted. There is no dull moment, and the music compliments the narrative well. It is a must-watch movie for all.