Shutter - Exclusive Malayalam Movie Review

Directed by     Joy Mathew

Produced by     Saritha Ann Thomas

Written by     Joy Mathew

Music by     Shahabaz Amam

Cinematography     Hari Nair

Studio     Abra Films

Release date 22/02/2013

Running time     134 minutes

Country     India

Language     Malayalam

Expectation

Nothing much was known about the film till it was screened at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala where it won the Silver Crow Pheasant Award for Best Feature Film (Viewers Choice). It also received tremendous response when screened at  9th Dubai International Film Festival. The film was also a major contender in the Kerala State Film awards 2012.

Story

'Shutter' is about the events that happens in 48 hours in the lives of Rasheed, Suran, Manoharan and a Prostitute 

Cast

    Lal as Rasheed

    Sreenivasan as Manoharan
    Vinay Forrt as Nanmarayil Suran
    Sajitha Madathil as the prostitute
    Riya Saira as Rasheed's elder daughter
    Nisha Joseph as Rasheed's wife
    Augustine
    Prem Kumar
    Vijayan Karanthoor
    Appunni Sasi

Evaluation

Shutter is a very good emotional thrill ride in the likes of Passenger (2009) and Traffic (2011). The basic theme of the movie is similar to Diamond Necklace (2012) - People doing different things under stressful situations and how those decisions change their life (& character) for ever.

Production quality is average compared to the above mentioned film, may be because it doesn't have any bankable stars in cast & crew. Camera, BG editing looked ordinary, but not that bad considering the theme of the movie and its budget. Anyway all these small negatives are skillfully covered by the director Joy Mathew.

SHUTTER is the first film to be distributed by Director Ranjith's new distribution company, Gold Coin Pictures

The movie is fast. There are no Unnecessary songs [Just one, during the end credits)  or scenes in the movie. The run time of 135mins added to the raciness of the movie.

Sajitha Madithal, who won Kerala Governments 2nd Best actress of 2012 award for this role, did a terrific job as the unnamed prostitute (justifying the jury). Even though a popular personality, this will be her first main stream role and she is sure to get tons of roles after this.

A brilliant performance by Vinay Fort again after impressing everyone in 'Theevram'

Lal, Sreenivasan etc also did their parts very well.

As the name suggests 'Shutter' plays an important role in the film and all the events that happens are related to it. [The movie has nothing to do with the English/Korean/Japanese Horror  film 'Shutter']

So another impressive attempt from Mollywood for the world (at least Rest of India) to watch out for

Go Watch It - Its worth your every single penny

3.75/5

Post Your Comments Below :-)

Dulquer Salman's Theevram - Exclusive FDFS Movie Review

Theevram

Directed by	Roopesh Peethambaran
Produced by	V. C. Ismayil
Written by	Roopesh Peethambaran
Starring	Dulquer Salmaan Shikha Nair Sreenivasan Riya Saira
Music by	Roby Abraham
Cinematography	Hari Nair
Editing by	Kapil Gopalakrishnan
Studio	VCI Movies
Distributed by	LJ Films
Release date(s)	November 16, 2012
Country	India

Expectations

Nothing much was going for the movie as far as I am concerned, except the fact that it stars Dulquer Salmaan and the curiosity that whether he will score hat-trick hits.

 Story

The story is about  Harsha Vardhan's (Dulquer) revenge on somebody, due to some reasons. The first half is taking place in present where the revenge happens. The second half is in flash back mode where What, Why When are answered. Maya (Shikha Nair) plays his Wife/Girl Friend. S.I. Alexander, (Sreenivasan)is investigating officer and Vinay fort (Ramachandran) is his assistant. 22FK fame Riya Saira plays the GFs role of Harsha's friend (Don't know his name)

Evaluation

We have seen many revenge stories in the past like Thaazhvaram, Bhramaram nand many recent movies in Tamil. This one belongs to the similar genre. The story is not exciting or surprising. But the presentation and writing (some what) saves the movies, well supported by some good perfomances.

Dulquer is slowly raising his bar, which is evident from his choice of movies and performances. He has done a very good job, especially in the court scene which is one of my favourite scene in the movie. (There is a small teaser of him doing 'stylized' action as well in the film for his fans)

Sreenivasan as cop was good, eventhough many of his TM antics are getting repetitive and failed to evoke much response from the crowd. Viay Fort was very good. Riya saira and the guy who played her friend too was good. Heroine was OK, a known actress could have helped the movie a lot as viewers need to sympathise for the hero for his revenge (and the movie) to be accepted by the audience. here even though Dulquer tried his level best to bridge the gap.

Roopesh Peethambaran's presentation of the story is very good. I Think we got a new promising director in him, writing need to be a bit sharper i think. Camera, BG, Editing were good. One song & one bit song in the movie both of which gels with the movie.

The blue/black dark tint shade given to the movie in DI could be a problem (it was for me) especially in poor screens. In the dark hall, it was bit difficult to watch the movie (2nd half is normal color though). People were asking for torch and to keep the hall lights turned on :-).

Overall its one time watch movie, sans any commercial elements, liked it more than 2nd show though.

Rating: 2.75/5

Not Must watch, but not a disappoinment either

Box Office: should be a above average grosser, Hit if budget is low