Filmy Illusions

  Picture Courtesy: Pravinkoodu Shappu FB Page In one of the most telling scenes in Pravinkoodu Shappu , Soubin’s character remarks, “I can see right through a guy who enjoys the accolades because I am exactly like that.” This line encapsulates the film's underlying narcissistic tone—a brilliant facade that crumbles under its own weight. The movie boasts of excellent characters, brought to life by actors who truly understand their craft. The dark humor scattered throughout the narrative is sharp and effective, and the script holds immense potential. However, much like the narcissist who meticulously crafts an image but falters with one misstep, the film loses its way in the second half. The initial brilliance gives way to unnecessary misogyny, cheap gags, and a mystery trick that is reduced to a simplistic device handled by commoners. Previously clever characters are sidelined into foolish bystanders, making the climax feel like a letdown. The promise of a gripping narrative fa...

  Picture Courtesy: TV9 Malayalam News Happy New Year! It’s been exactly a year since I last wrote about movies consistently. Not because there weren’t films that moved me—2024 had plenty, with gems like, Bougainvillea , Ullozhukk , Meiyazhagan , Amar Singh Chamkila , Bhramayugam , Avesham, to name a few . But somehow, I just couldn’t bring myself to write. Let’s just say 2024 wasn’t a great year. I don’t know if this year will be any different, but I’m trying to go with the flow—in writing and in life. Fingers crossed. And what a movie to restart writing about than a mystery thriller around the magic of cinema! Rekha Chithram, my first theatre experience of 2025, is a captivating mystery thriller interwoven with the wonder of filmmaking. It beautifully demonstrates how modern technology can be used so effectively to make you fall in love with a yesteryear classic while delivering an intriguing new narrative. Picture Courtesy: Nana on X My memories of Kathodu Kaathor...