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January 2025 Releases : A Discourse

N.B - Thudarum might be slated for a release after “Empuraan”, which hits theatres on March 27,2025.

A promising month with 4 movies to look forward to. Bring it on!

Release 1 - Rekhachithram

Director - Jofin T.Chacko

Verdict - Good

Definitely a movie that we can be proud of. It dabbles in the unchartered territory of Alternate history, blending in Kathodu Kathoram nicely to solve a murder case on the film's sets. This is an innovative attempt, which can hopefully forge more movies. For those going to see the movie, knowing the basic plot of Kathodu Kathoram would help, to set the context.

Being a retro enthusiast, this film has entertained me well, with the allure of vintage costumes, trivia from Malayalam Cinema in the 80's and the location sets helping me to resonate with the movie. The gossip columnist character, played by T.G Ravi was one of my standout favorites. Further dictating the fact that gossip/cinema magazines had an infamous stronghold in the 80's to direct the future of individuals in the cine field, using the yellow stories that kept churning out. What worked with the pen back then, is effective using video now.

Witnessing Asif Ali’s purple patch onscreen was good, and Anaswara did put in a measured performance, Though the second half didn't keep me engaged and felt like a drag, this was a pretty cool attempt. Here's hoping that the pair keep picking promising projects. A good start for Mollywood in 2025.

Release 2 - Pravinkoodu Shaapu

Director - Sreeraj Sreenivasan

Verdict - Below Average

Coming from Anwar Rasheed’s production house, I had pretty high hopes for this one. The crew too had me excited.

During the movie, I could sense that Basil couldn’t pick up this character and play it to the wavelength required. Armed with comedy that fell flat everywhere and a shouting match all around, Basil should work on his dialogue delivery, as the delivery in this one was stretched to great effect, akin to a rubber band. Basil can’t handle cop roles, and should stick to comedy, which is his strength. However, his choice on trying out newer roles should be appreciated.

I was content with Soubin’s and Shivajith's performances, both being saving graces from the movie. Both took the characters and handed to them and played it to perfection. Soubin's Kochi slang, which has a certain twang to it and which he never abandons, was something I could look forward to with this dialogues. The policemen aiding the investigation were being dramatic with every chance, and were throwing a shouting match all around. Totally threw me off the movie, added with the spoon-feeding at every opportunity.

The screenplay has tried to explore the backstories of the shaapu's patrons and those associated with it, to great effect. It further goes to establish the fact that the common man's life cannot be viewed through rainbow-colored lenses. A subtle mix of revenge, pitiness and banter are interspersed in the character's lives, drinking away to enjoy the completion of yet another day.

Vishnu Vijay’s music too felt flat, with lyrics being too ordinary - which is unusual from lyricists like Muhsin Parari and Vinayak Sasikumar. A below average fare all around.

Loved Kannan's playing card antics (part of me cruelly believes that it's VFX generated), but it was still cool to see onscreen!

Pravinkoodu Shappu Official Trailer

Release 3 - Dominic and the Ladies Purse

Director - Gautham Vasudev Menon

Holds the distinction of bring GVM’s first movie in Mollywood. Welcome home

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Release 4 - Thudarum

Director - Tharun Moorthy

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