Realistic comic entertainers have always been in vogue all through the years. A good plot or content added to this would guarantee great audience reviews. ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’ has catered to this taste and easily emerges as one of the most probable winner of this year’s Ramzan releases. There are many factors that work in favour of the movie. The movie is high on realism, comedy, relatability, empathy, romance and content. These more or less spells success.
‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’ explores so many facets of relationships that it is a pleasure to watch the events unfold on screen. Father -son on one hand, husband-wife on the other; friendship and love are emotions that stand out. The important thing is that debutant director Rahman Khalid has carefully orchestrated these in a realistic setting that anybody can relate to. The movie’s writer Naveen Bhaskar has done well to keep it simple and engrossing. A middle class family, the feelings that run within this nuclear family, be it that of the wife named Suma played by Asha Sharath, or the police officer husband named Raghu played by Biju Menon or their son Abhilash played by Asif Ali.
It is interesting to see the dynamics in their relationship and note the universal nature of certain aspects. Most would have gone through at least some of these emotional phases at some point. The movie does have minor drawbacks like a too undramatic middle and an unevenness in narration. But these are minor and can be overlooked in the larger context. The movie works on a contrast – one that of Abhi getting tired of Elizabeth’s (Rajisha Vijayan) love, who is however in no mood to let him go and a father who wants to apologise to his old sweetheart for hurting her. The storyline is new and interesting while is backdrop is refreshingly relatable and familiar.
All the actors have done an impressive work. Biju Menon as a constable is natural and so is Sudheer Karamana who plays his friend and colleague. The movie would be by far Asif Ali’s best performance so far. He is endearing as the present day youth. His friends are played by Sreenath Bhasi and Soubin both of whom once again impresses. Asha Sarath is great as Suma. Nandini’s surprise entry is again engaging. But it is interesting to note that it is Rejisha, the debutante actress who takes the cake. She has mailed her character with panache. This is one face to watch out for.
Cinematography and editing are seamless and one wouldn’t really notice the flawless capturing and sequencing. Music too more or less blends in. Director Rahman has certainly imbibed some of the making styles of the directors for whom he worked as associates and has gotten it right. ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’ is a warm tale filled with beautiful moments and is surely one of the best bets this festive season.