Just like how the COVID cases has surged over the past week or so (thanks to the election campaign), there has been a plethora of movies that has hit the screens or on the OTT platform. This meant movie aficionados like me are spoilt for choice & hence barely given me the time to pen down my opinion about the flicks that I had checked out. The latest Malayalam release on Amazon is Dileesh Pothan's "Joji" & from the moment the trailer had released, the expectations were pretty high courtesy of his track record.
Joji (Fahadh Fasil) was the youngest son of the wealthy and austere Panachel Kuttapan (V P Sunny) and the laziest among the latter's three sons, who was always on the lookout for a quick buck. His brothers, Jomon (Baburaj) & Jaison (Joji Mundakayam) held their father in high regard though deep down Jaison didnt approve of the iron handed nature of his father in financial matters. It was during this time that their father had a stroke and was paralyzed which Joji saw as a ray of hope to get his hand on his father's inheritance. But destiny had other decisions as his father miraculously returned from the dead. However, Joji was determined to make the destiny that he craved for by hook or by crook.
This is Dileesh's third directorial venture & his trusted lieutenant, Syam Pushkaran has yet again penned the script which is based on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. Frankly speaking, I found it as an extremely vague adaptation as Syam has modelled the character of the artists in a distinct manner and completely in sync with the culture and customs in the region. There is not a single moment in the movie that is boring despite the manner in which it would appear sluggish at times & Dileesh as well as Kiran Das's editing skills deserves a round of applause for that. On the technical side, if the DoP is Shyju Khalid then there is nothing to talk about as that dude is simply awesome while Justin Varghese's score gels with the mood.
As has been the trend for quite a while now, Fahad was brilliant as the protagonist as he showcased the variations in his character's psyche with ease. Whenever Fahadh held the baton as the lead, then it is no mean task to match upto him but there were quite a few who managed to do that in this. Baburaj reinvented himself in "Salt N Pepper" and after a decade, he has got this opportunity in the form of Jomon in which he reveled. Similarly, Basil impressively projected a new version of his himself as Fr. Kevin while Shammi Thilakan like wine seems to get better with time. Both Bincy and Jaison were fine while Sunny fitted the bill of Kuttappan perfectly & the scene where he jumps into the water pit seemed like a tip of the hat for his portrayal of Thorappan Bastin in "Spadikam".
Verdict: There is no doubt that this is an engaging drama/thriller that has been exquisitely crafted and ably supported by some brilliant performances. Don't bother to even think twice, as this is Dileesh's march to yet another classic!!!
Rating: 3.75/5
Regards...Ben
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