Diamond Necklace review: "Exquisitely crafted diamond!!!"

2012 is almost half way through & thanks to a host of well made entertaining films amply supported by the public, it has been more or less a joyful ride. Such has been the plethora of credible films on offer, that many of the film makers are struggling to get screens to showcase their ware. One prime example is that of maestro Lal Jose's "Diamond Necklace", which opened to just 24 screens a fortnight back. But being the brilliant director that he is, it has been garnering positive responses from all quarters. Finally, it released in Bangalore y'day & I got a taste of what this hoopla was all about!!!

Dubai has always been one of the most sought after destination of Malayalis & though there has been numerous tales of the hardships experienced by our people there, it still remains high on the wish list. Dr.Arun (Fahad Fazil),a young flamboyant Oncologist in Dubai believes in living life king size which is way beyond his means. Just as profligate as his spending is his Casanova style which has the ladies swooning over him. However, Arun himself gets smitten by the newly recruited nurse Lekshmi (Gautami Nair). But things takes a turn when his spend thrift nature slams him with a travel ban by the Credit card companies. Though he does manage to overturn it, it was just the beginning of more topsy turvy events!!!

After the debacle of "Spanish Masala", Lal Jose is undoubtedly back with a bang. Based on a Bengali novel, the script by Dr. Iqbal Kuttipuram was fantastic to say the least along with the realistic dialogues. Though I dont expect films to be didactic & deviate away from being entertaining, Lal Jose has managed to balance both with amazing dexterity. It showcases as to how a person who has trod the path of self destruction, still manages to hold on courtesy of the people who had loved him & in the process teaching him that everything in life isn't just about self. Vidyasagar's music was brilliant & choosing one among the lot is a tedious task though "Neelamalare" rendered by Srinivas might be a step ahead. Sameer Tahir's visuals were breath-taking & according to me, the best we have after Santhosh Sivan. 

With each passing movie, Fahad Fazil is going from strength to strength & this film was no different as he was a complete natural in essaying the role. All the three female leads were given equal footing & they have done absolute justice to their roles be it Gautami Nair with her restrained yet strong demeanor, debutant Anusree as the exuberant village belle & Samvritha with an extremely matured and strong willed nature. The supporting cast of Sreenivasan, Rohini & Maniyanpilla Raju gives ample support to the youngsters.

Verdict: Frankly speaking, I cant find anything that could be considered as a blemish in this well crafted piece of art. There is no sequence in the film which could be considered as a test of patience nor does it showcase itself as being preachy. In short, beg or borrow....but please do yourself a favour of watching it in theatre at any cost rather than being sorry!!!

Rating: 4.5/5

Regards...Ben