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1000 Babies (2024)

well-done thriller series in Malayalam

Overall, 1000 Babies is a captivating and well-crafted thriller that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With a blend of strong performances and a grounded narrative, it stands out in the Malayalam web series landscape.

1000 Babies starts off a bit slow but quickly builds intrigue around its two main characters, showcasing a lot of weirdness about them. By the second and third episodes, the suspense picks up, transforming the series into a gripping crime thriller.

One notable aspect is the series' adherence to international standards regarding nudity and blood, presenting these elements in a realistic manner without being overly gruesome. The portrayal of crime scenes is raw and impactful.

The performances stand out throughout the series, particularly from the actress playing the younger version of Neena Gupta, who takes on the role of the head nurse, and the actress portraying Renuka Mohan from Bangalore. The actor who plays the butcher shop owner's son also delivers a strong performance. Additionally, the actor portraying the Hindutva youth leader gives a superb performance.

While the background music is well done, the dialogues could use a bit more quality. However, the overall production quality is commendable. The depiction of Hindutva politics in one episode is executed effectively, though the series doesn't push a specific political message.

One of the strengths of 1000 Babies is its concise storytelling; limited to seven episodes, it keeps viewers engaged enough to binge-watch the entire series.

Lastly, one major character twist in the end is somewhat predictable.

In summary, 1000 Babies is a well-done thriller series in Malayalam, effectively grounded in its socio-environmental context, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

Thalavan (2024)

No clue how this was hyped as good thriller

Other than the 2 good characters played by Biju Menon and asif Ali , there is nothing good about this movie.

The writing is bad , shows so many complex twists and build ups to a disappointing conclusion. How ever have to say that as if Ali looks so convincing in the role of rebel sub inspector and he is proving to be a good actor

5 of us , belong to 3 generations watched this together in theater and no one was impressed.

Now sure how the promotions was so hyped that the movie is good , recent thrillers in Malayalam like Garudan was so much better.

When it released in OTT, I bet all this perspective that the movie is good will change.

The Goat Life (2024)

triumph of filmmaking

Aadujeevitham is a triumph of filmmaking. The dedication and passion poured into every aspect is palpable. Don't be fooled by misconceptions; this isn't a slow, melancholic drama. It's a heart-pounding survival thriller that will leave you in awe.

Prithviraj Sukumaran and director Blessy have crafted a cinematic experience that deserves a standing ovation. Their commitment to the story shines through every scene. A. R. Rahman's masterful background score perfectly complements the narrative, and the "Periyone" song, though sadly not entirely included, is a hauntingly beautiful melody.

This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a testament to human resilience, the power of hope, and the unwavering spirit of survival. Don't miss Aadujeevitham!

Kaathal - The Core (2023)

Bold and mature approach

Kathal is a significant step forward in Malayalam cinema. Its nuanced approach and sensitive handling of the subject matter make it a must-watch for anyone seeking an insightful and thought-provoking film.

Mammooty delivers a powerful performance , capturing the character's internal struggles and vulnerability with remarkable sensitivity. Sudhi Kozhikode is equally impressive as Thankan, bringing a quiet strength and dignity to the role.

Jyothika's performance as wife, feels somewhat wooden and underdeveloped, except for the last scene. Jyothika appeared too urban and the stone face she put up in the movie did not contribute much.

The actor Sudhi Kozhikode who has done the character Thankan is a promise for Malayalam cinema. The 2 kids and other side actors also have done well.

Mammooty stands tall for taking up this movie and its production.

Ghost (2023)

Not interesting

*Positives:**

* The film has an interesting premise and generates some curiosity in the first half.

* The fast editing gives the movie an edge.

* Some of the action sequences are well-choreographed and executed.

* Shiva Rajkumar's performance is energetic and massy.

**Negatives:**

* Jayaram's acting is artificial, especially for Malayalam audiences who have seen him for years.

* Shivarajkumar's action sequences are laughable, as he lacks a convincing physique for such roles.

* The film's logic takes a backseat in the second half and climax * The movie leaves several unanswered questions.

**Overall, Ghost is a mixed bag. It has its moments, but it also suffers from some major flaws. If you're a fan of Shiva Rajkumar or action thrillers, then you might enjoy the film. However, if you're looking for a more well-rounded film with a solid story, then you might want to look elsewhere.**

Garudan (2023)

Good Thriller with great performances

Garudan is a superb thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The movie is very racy until the interval, after that it slows down a bit, but then it makes a huge comeback with the climax twist. The movie is about a rape case that is investigated by Harish Madhav, a senior police officer, played by Suresh Gopi. He arrests Nishanth, a college professor, played by Biju Menon, who claims to be innocent.

Biju Menon delivers one of his best performances as Nishanth, who undergoes a drastic transformation. Suresh Gopi is convincing as Harish an old troubled officer. This is the kind of role he can excel going forward. The script is the best element of the movie, while the director has done a good job of creating a gripping narrative. The plot of Nishanth's transformation is only partially convincing if you think of it, but it's not a problem because there is no time to think during the movie.

The supporting cast is also impressive, especially Nishanth's wife, played by Divya Pillai. She has a crucial role in the movie, though she does not have much screen time. The movie avoids the melodrama from Harish's character background, which was a smart decision in the script. The actors, even in small roles, have done well. The only bad actor in the whole movie is Thalai vasal vijay , who gives a serial kind of performance.

Garudan is a movie that will keep you hooked till the end with its thrilling plot, brilliant performances, and unexpected twists. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

Old Dads (2023)

Falls short of expectations

The movie starts off strong with some good laughs and funny portraits of today's political correctness. However, it fails to maintain the momentum and becomes predictable and clichéd in the second half. I m a bill burr comedy fan , but it looks he forgot his own stand towards the end of the movie.

The chemistry between the three leads is the only redeeming quality of the film, with their interactions providing some comedic beats. While it's not a complete disaster, "Old Dads" doesn't achieve what it could have and falls short of expectations

"Old Dads" is a comedy film that revolves around three best friends who become fathers later in life.

Kurukkan (2023)

fresh concept, good performances, disappointing direction

Movie with a fresh concept and storyline. However, the script, direction, and editing are mediocre. The movie is saved from being a disaster by the good performances of Sreenivasan, Vineet Sreenivasan, and the actor playing the judge.

The script is full of clichés and the dialogue is often stilted. The direction is uninspired and the editing is sloppy. Direction these days is not just shooting what is in script by placing camera to actors. As a result, the movie feels slow and boring at times.

Overall, Kurukkan is a disappointing movie with a few bright spots. Can be watched once if you have free time.

Kerala Crime Files (2023)

Decent series. Nothing brilliant

First Malayalam web series , it's a decent thriller The main thread of investigation is done well , the suspense is well kept. The key thread is about tracing a suspect that is such a common man who disappears in the world . Good acting by all leading stars. Especially aju varghese and his supporting police cast named pradeep Chettan.

The main problem is that after couple of episodes the enquiry is a bit monotonous. It also looks like the police offers are is just focused on this one case comprising their life for no convincing reasons , other than they kept saying we must nab this guy no matter what.

Nalla Samayam (2022)

waste of time

Nalla Samayam is a movie that fails to deliver on all fronts. The story is poorly written and lacks any semblance of coherence. The narrative jumps from one plot point to another without any logical progression. The performances by the cast are lackluster and fail to engage the audience. The characters are poorly written and lack depth.

The movie is riddled with cliches and fails to bring anything new to the table. The humor falls flat and the attempts at drama feel forced. The technical aspects of the movie, such as the cinematography and editing, are subpar.

Overall, Nalla Samayam is a movie that can be easily skipped. It fails to entertain or engage the audience and is a disappointing addition to the Malayalam film industry. The movie lacks any redeeming qualities and is a waste of time.

Thuramukham (2023)

like a documentary than a feature film

Thuramukham is a movie that portrays the struggles of the working class in a realistic manner.

However, where the movie falls short is in its storytelling. The narrative lacks interesting twists and turns and feels more like a documentary than a feature film. The pacing is slow and at times, the movie feels like it's dragging on.

Overall, while Thuramukham has its merits in terms of its depiction of the harsh realities of life and its commendable performances, it fails to engage the audience throughout its runtime. The movie could have benefited from a tighter script and better pacing.

Better than kuttavum sikshayum.

Vedikkettu (2023)

Thattikoottu and cliche

"Vedikkettu" directed by Bibin George and Vishnu Unnikrishnan falls short of expectations as it lacks the expected comedy despite being their first directorial. This mediocre movie tries to incorporate progressive politics but fails to understand it. Moreover, the cliched love story fails to impress. The attempt to depict Indian caste differences in the background is unimpressive. The movie features all new faces except for the directors in lead roles, making it difficult to follow and understand the characters.

Good elements are Vishnu acting and the heroine actress . Some songs blends well, but reminds too much of Kalabhavan mani.

Overall, "Vedikkettu" is a forgettable movie that fails to impress."

Saudi Vellakka (2022)

Good topic, slow drama, over acting

First thing that stand out is over acting in the name of realism by some of the actors. How ever Binu pappu, lukman , first judge, gokulan vakkeel and his mom have done well.

Second half is heart touching and you would really feel for the lead role umma.

This is more of a serious drama about people getting dragged in to endless delays of the law and order system. There is not much humor as such and what ever humor they attempted didn't workout.

The umma's son (maheshinte prathikaram villain ) trying to act as a innocent pavam guy was terrible. The villain guy , police SI and umma's sons wife and many others were shouting the dialogs mostly and was irritating.

Gold (2022)

Average , but new making style

Alphonse Puthren brings new making style to Malayalam and probably new in Indian cinema as well. He mixes music , cuts and use of symbols to bring a new style. But the movie lacks the content to support the experimental making style.

Lalu Alex is remarkable. Shammi thilakan , Vijay fort , Krishna Shankar also done well. Prithviraj done decent job, but nothing to excel. Nayan comes for 15 mins and appears cute and that's pretty much all she got to do. Lot of leading actors comes and goes in junior artist roles without making any impact.

Puthren is known to be crazy experimental in his moving making which often gives great trouble to producers every time. Like not doing promotion , and taking months for post production, and not even relaxing good posters. When the experiment works it's a happy ending for all, but failure is also huge.

Sree Dhanya Catering Service (2022)

low quality movie with a political statement

First of all the hand held camera movements used thru out in the movie gives a head ache and makes it a struggle to watch.

Movie is an Intentional effort to show women taking responsibility, and some flaws of mens domination. It is some what successful in showing that , but nothing much engaging in this as a movie.

The auto driver love story scene and the kid stuck with drunk dad are good elements. The mens groups cooking party is relatable 😊. The lite humor of kozhikodu guys biriyani thread also worked out.

I think Amazon took this movie based on the great Indian kitchen success , but this lacks the acting talents and storytelling. Kozhikodu Biriyani actor is a good talent.

Unless you are ready to suffer to watch its political statement , skip this movie and save 2 hours of life.

Varaal (2022)

Imitation gold

This seems like is a bad imitation of Lucifer movie and many other older Ranjith Shaji kailas movies.

Lot of leading star cast in this movie , but not even single good performance to remember. Including Prakash raj , Sunny Wayne lot of talent is wasted. Dialogs etc are so drama kind.

I have no clue how this director get chance to make crappy movies back to back. Making super crappy. All those characters buildup done is so so old fashioned.

Anoop Menon's style of writing and acting is now repeat of what he has done many times.

There is some twists here and there after first hour, but nothing new.

Solomante Theneechakal (2022)

Old fashioned investigation thriller

Old fashioned investigation thriller with Lot of new actors , mostly mediocre acting skills except for one of the main police women actress.

There is a twist at the end, but over all Laljoses making is not very thrilling.

Most of first half is building the characters about the 2 police women, which is a bit slow. The lead actor struggles to perform.

Joju has become monotonous over time. Doing same thing in every movie . His physique is also becoming disadvantageous.

Nothing else special about the movie, laljose had made some mile stones in malayalam cinema , hope he comes back with better movies.

Pathonpatham Noottandu (2022)

Artificial masala film

I had low expectations but this was even lower than that.

Siju Wilson did well and the nangeli actress kayadu also done well. Deepti sati , chemban Allencier etc supporting cast is also good.

There are some high production value and good constumes etc Some good songs and action sequences too.

Main problem is, this is a very artificial periodic drama. It is made as a low class masala movie , no justice to the periodical elements such as language and art.

Siju wilson has put lot of effort phisically, but all that got wasted. Cannot really judge if he has potential or not. Nothing more to write.

King Fish (2022)

Over all not bad for an OTT watch

Honestly I watched it with no expectations. The IMDB rating is also low.

Over all not bad for an OTT watch.

First part there is some fun , usual Anoop Menon intellectual dialogues , beauty worshiping etc. There are few good characters as well. Towards the end it picks up some steam.

Then in between it is some what boring , some forced feminism , unnecessary buji stuff etc.

It has nothing that worth a theater watch, so I understand why the rating is so low. More like a basic story cooked with Anoop Menon flavor.

Nothing more to write. This IMDb useless char limit is killing the fun of reviewing.

Panthrand (2022)

Quite good until last 45 minutes

Movie has some excellent cinematography , good background score , great performance by actors , an engaging story telling (at least partly) , an innovative thought to mix a biblical line

Shine Tom Chacko excels , what an actor! His first action scene performance is where he establish the character! Vinayakan is good as always. The guy who acted as Jude and Lal was really good casts.

The gang action was good, but then by second and third action scene it was feeling repeated.

The main problem started with mixing the fantasy. It started to be not clear and convincing. By the last 30 minutes, the movie totally lost it. Can still enjoy for the first part.

Peace (2022)

lazy attempt to create comedy

I believe the initial few reviews with very high rating are fake

I think what they intend to do is to create comedy from, carefree life of few people getting mixed up with a complex crime.

I may have laughed few times, but ended up forwarding for the most of the time.

Joju has become out of shape and monotonous in most roles now. Siddique was good. The youngsters were okay. Asha Sarath was weird as weed smoking independent women.

Not sure why exactly the movie has some promotional kind scenes for weed like asha Sarath smoking :)

It says part 1 and ends with a suspense. But for the kind of reception it got , I highly doubt there will be a part 2.

Ottu (2022)

Liked for the last part

-For first 1.15 hrs of movie the movie started of very slow , had to fast forward. At first It looked like a predictable movie. Kunchacko Boban is supposed to be doing a charming character, but it wasn't that charming. Aravind swami was good , but his dubbing was a mismatch. Not much twists and turns either and script or making wasn't that great.

• Then comes the twist when they reach at the first shooting place. Aravind swami gets even better , now the dubbing fits well. The actions sequences comes , jacky sherof appears . Kunchacko does good in this part.

Only thing that was not great thru out was the BGM in my opinion.

All together movie takes a good shift to another level in last 20 minutes. Can watch for that.

Oru Thekkan Thallu Case (2022)

Liked it, good attempt

Movie is engaging in most part, part of the story telling is really good , part of it is flat. But certainly worth a watch

What stand out is the base story , it presents a new landscape, some new twists and turns , lot of genuineness. The script , while not best is also good. There are some good humor that fits well in the movie. Climax was also good. Director looks confused between realistic and action thriller. Good attempt to pick this story though

Biju Menon is probably not the best cast for this , appear lazy for the character . Roshan , Nimisha and padmapriya was good. So as the new cast of Roshan friends, especially the police guy.

Over all one should give it a try. I liked it.

Eesho (2022)

Average movie , faked high rating now

I saw this movie rating was dropped below 6 on second day of release , but after 2 days 100s of 10 rating pumped in to make the rating high !!

BGM by Rahul raj and editing by shameer has done some justice. Nadhirsha making is decent that's all.

Main issue is after 15-20 mins when Jayasurya appear, rest of the story is too predictable. Not much suspense left. Jafar and Jayasurya done decent job. The baby actress Akshara was excellent. Others are fine

May be due to covid they could not shoot elaborately. That is quite visible thru out.

If you like Jayasurya Jafar Nadhirsha , you could give it a try!

Nna Thaan Case Kodu (2022)

Gem of a movie

A movie that make you wonder how do they conceive such ideas and make it happen.

A political black humor that is told so well without forcing any political message.

Every single character amazes you with performance and fits so well in to this movie.

Only 2 actors that appear out of place in this movie are basil joseph and the chief minister actress.

IMDb now require 600 char review don't know why and this is a big bummer useless effort that becoming a pain to write any review this will probably be my last review on IMDb. It is still not 600 character and I am already done even writing about 600 characters.