Tag Archives: Aju Varghese

Adi Kapyare Kootamani Review

Adi Kapyare Kootamani Review – Adi Kapyare Kootamani is a Malayalam comedy movie released in 2015.  A young woman Adhista Lakshmi enters Men’s hostel for sake adventure with the help of a hostel inmate Bhanu. But getting out of the hostel without being caught doesn’t seem easier.

A very simple plot tied in with some of the nostalgic memories of a hostel is the strength of Adi Kapyare Kootamani. Guys who have lived in a hostel would be able to relate to many of the incidents in the movie. In particular, the scenes in which there are watch guards making animal sounds to announce the arrival of the hostel in charge, hiding liquor in the room, doing dance rehearsals, playing volleyball all would remind some evergreen nostalgic memories of a men’s hostel.

Dhyan Srinivasan, Aju Varghese, Namitha Pramod, Vineeth Mohan and Neeraj Madhav essay their roles well. Mukesh is a good pick to play the role of Father Alfred.

High Points: The plot is based on some nostalgic hostel memories everyone could relate to. The sequence of Father Alfred comes in for inspection amidst of many voice signals indicating his arrival is hilarious. The comedy has worked very well.

Low Points: There is a dramatic twist added to the movie in the end which does not seem to fit the script. They could have made an ending without getting a paranormal angle to it. There is no much scenes to establish the character of the lead characters in the movie but for Mukesh. Hence you might take time to connect to the characters.

Overall I found the movie to be very entertaining one. The comedy works well. The screenplay stays to the core plot. If you have spent some part of your life living in a hostel you would relate to this much better.

Worth a Watch

Kunjiramayanam Review

Kunjiramayanam Review – Kunjiramayanam is a Malayalam comedy movie released in 2015. Kunjiraman a youth living in a village called Desham unknowingly brings upon some curse to the place. The plot revolves around the curse, the superstitions and how the people living around deal with it.

Director Basil Joseph has taken a very innocent story that deals with the simplistic lives of the people. The movie is sort of a bouquet of memories that you would have experienced from childhood spent in a village. The movie is a lighthearted fun watch with some good quality humor. Vineeth Sreenivasan has essayed the role of Kunjiraman very well. The ensemble of cast who also have significant role to play in the movie ably supports him. Dealing with so many characters and providing them some significant screen space is not an easy task for a first time director. Basil Joseph has handled it very well.

The liquor shop sequence involving the liquor brand Salsa is hilarious and is the best part of the movie. Aju Varghese and Dhyan Sreenivasan are part of a sub plot in the movie, which is also very entertaining. Similarly the sub plot featuring Mamukkoya as Well done Vasu is entertaining. There are many such things to look forward to in this movie. There is no one person who is central to the movie but the village and its people form the core of the story.

High Points: Very simplistic plot, Good humor and good ensemble of cast, screenplay and characterization, liquor shop sequence, multiple subplots that are entertaining.

Low points: If you are expecting a larger than life movie then you might be disappointed. You need to catch the subtle references to enjoy the movie.

Overall Kunjiramayanam is a wholesome entertainer that would give a hearty laugh to the viewers this Onam. While you can argue that it can be done much better, still it is a very laudable effort for a first timer. Go and watch it in the theaters.

Worth a Watch

Vellimoonga Review

Vellimoonga Review – Vellimoonga (Barn Owl) is a Malayalam political drama released in 2014. The movie revolves around the life of a middle aged man Mamachen who is still single and actively involved in politics. He aspires to setup his family and also rise up in politics but it is not easy as people who are jealous of him try to play spoilsport.

The movie had released without making much noise and is a very engaging drama. There is no unnecessary song and dance in the movie. It is filled with some neat performances, humor and dialogues. As the plot is drawn on a political canvas every character in the movie talks a lot. Hardly will you find any silent sequence in the movie. Biju Menon is a great choice for the role and he has carried out his role with perfection. His acting and his unique mannerisms would make Mamachen character loved by the audience. The way he always finds a way to ride in the front seat of the jeep, never pays for his ride  and his mom says that he never travels in an auto as it does not allow him to sit in the front are great examples to develop a character. Aju Varghese is very successful in making us laugh yet again. The rest of the characters in the movie are also developed well and help in moving the story along. Director Jibu Jacob has presented an engaging political drama that is fresh and satisfying. The election preparations and processions have been done well. He has also very well portrayed how the meaning of Khadi clothes has changed over time from Gandhiji to the current politicians. It has now become a trademark of Indian politics. Usually for political drama Chanakya would be used as a symbolism, but the use of Barn Owl as a symbolism in the movie is very creative.

Overall the movie is a very enjoyable affair. If you like movies with political background you would definitely enjoy Vellimoonga. There is never a dull moment in the movie and it entertains you throughout.

Watchable

Thattathin Marayathu

Thattathin Marayathu – is a Malayalam romance drama released in 2012. A Hindu boy living in Kerala falls in love with a Muslim girl. Were they able to get together in life is the plot of Thattathin Marayathu.

Thattathin Marayathu means “behind the veil”. A very apt title for the movie as it is related to the beauty of the lady behind the veil. A very well-known plot of an Indian romance movie, yet the movie is enjoyable for the way it has been presented, the characters are sketched and the sequences are tied together. The nativity of Malabar area is captured well and people from that area would be able to relate to the movie and its location better. Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese have delivered a very convincing performance for director Vineeth Srinivasan. One of the big positives for the movie is that the scenes are very realistic and sketched with a feel good factor in it. If you are a fan of feel good romantic entertainers this one is a must watch for you.

Must Watch