Language : Malayalam
Director : Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
Writers : Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Gayathrie, P.P. Kunhikrishnan, Rajesh Madhavan, Unnimaya Prasad, Sibi Thomas, Basil Joseph.
Genre : Satire | Drama
Imdb: Nna Thaan Case Kodu (2022)
Streaming in Theaters near you.
If you ask me, it is not difficult to make a movie out of social issues in a country like India. Look around and we can easily handpick at least 3-4 problems that can be made into a full-length project. But the challenge comes in presenting them with conviction, and, in a manner, it entertains and pushes the audience to think. And director Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval’s, Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a classic example of elegantly doing both by being honest and focused.
I remember watching ace director K.G George’s cult satire ‘Panchavadi Palam’ as a 10-year-old and liking it instantly. It’s a fact that I was too young and naive to understand the political undertones of the classic then, but it was hilarious from start to finish which made the young boy appreciate it. A few years later when I rewatched it, I fell in awe of the way it effortlessly infused humour to a subject about corruption without diluting its impact. Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a fantastic addition to those lists of films where Panchavadi Palam still reigns supreme.
There are a number of factors that work in favour of Nna Thaan Case Kodu. Firstly, it finds humour from the unlikeliest of people/events. This plays a prominent role in keeping the movie lively while it addresses its ‘man vs system’ theme. Secondly, the casting is top notch. Casting director Rajesh Madhavan adds one more to his success story after ‘Thinkalazhcha Nischayam’, by finding local talents for crucial parts and extracting the best from them. Each member of the cast leaves a long-lasting impression in our minds even after the film ends. By choosing a less explored geography to tell his story, Ratheesh makes the film ‘look’ distinct. Right from the dialect to the terrains and culture of the space, the Kasaragod setting gives a very rooted texture to the entire flick. By placing a commoner at the nucleus, Ratheesh makes it a tale that connects with the general audience.
For the longest time Kunchacko Boban has been trying to be a part of diverse characters and films. And here as Rajeevan, he gives his best performance till date. He internalizes the plight of the character to the T, and with good command over the dialect and a rustic look to go with it, he is terrific to watch. PP Kunhikrishnan as the magistrate delivers a memorable performance in his debut feature. The actor, with his expressions and dialogue delivery, moves the audience to splits during the courtroom sequences. Gayathri Shankar, Adv Shukoor, Rajesh Madhavan, Mridul Nair and the rest of the newcomers immensely contribute to the film’s success.
In his third outing, Ratheesh delivers a near perfect product. With his quirky narrative style, the writer-director ensures that this satire is always in an engaging zone while making relevant remarks about the existing political shortcomings. Rakesh Haridas’ camerawork is refreshing to the eye as it stays away from the typical yellow, red, and cyan lights, currently a trend across regions. And it eventually supports the film in having an outlook of a story taking place next door. Songs are soothing and the remixed versions of ‘Aayiram Kanumayi’ and ‘Devadoothar Paadi,’ are integrated smartly into the plot.
Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a gem of a film. It is hilarious, thought provoking, massy at times and moreover, a very satisfying satire. Kudos to the whole team for delivering a powerful and superior entertainer.
Verdict : 6/7 stars
Brilliant.
