K. R. Rejeesh

in Nowrunning

This lack of narrative clarity becomes a major hurdle, undermining the director's otherwise sincere and loyal approach to storytelling.

in Nowrunning

Directed by Nadhirshah-who also doubles as the film's music composer-the narrative is peppered with several familiar and predictable beats.

in Nowrunning

Maharaja Hostel attempts to blend campus life, mythology, horror, and comedy, but its predictable writing and lackluster execution prevent it from becoming an engaging genre entertainer.

in Nowrunning

While the film boasts a riveting concept, its promise largely remains confined to the script, rarely evolving into an engaging or impactful on-screen experience.

in Nowrunning

Helmed by Ulsav Rajeev and Fahad Nandu, Pariwar delivers a satirical take on familial greed wrapped in a lighthearted comic drama. While its storyline treads familiar ground, the directors inject freshness through quirky character names and amusingly trivial situations that expose the selfish nature of the protagonists. Beneath its humor lies a thought-provoking exploration of human avarice, making the film impactful despite its resemblance to 90s family comedies. The director duo, who also penned the script, skillfully transform a simple premise into an engaging conflict laced with humor. The narrative remains focused within the confines of a single household, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Even when slapstick elements emerge, the film maintains its stability, ensuring that the humor remains sharp rather than chaotic.

in Nowrunning

Despite its horror comedy label, the film struggles to balance its elements. The spooky sequences involving Deepa's late-night hospital visit offer some genuine tension, but elsewhere, the horror is diluted by excessive repetition and underwhelming execution. Attempts at humor, particularly through characters like Vavakuttan (Sreepath), fall flat, and the subplot involving Sreekutty (Deva Nandha) feels redundant. Musically, Renjin Raj's contribution - both in background score and songs - does little to elevate the experience. The soundtrack often feels jarring and out of place, interrupting rather than enhancing the narrative. Likewise, the romantic subplot between Appu and Bhama lacks emotional resonance, hindered by mismatched expressions and unconvincing chemistry. Sumathi Valavu had the potential to be a haunting and thought-provoking film rooted in regional lore. Instead, it ends up as a cliched and disjointed viewing experience. The story may revolve around

in Nowrunning

Sheela's fortitude, in contrast, is compelling. Her struggles, particularly her encounters with the wealthy and predatory Zakir (Zakir Manoli), are portrayed with authenticity. Suma Devi delivers a naturalistic performance, effectively conveying Sheela's anguish and strength. Adheesh Damodaran also does justice to his role as a soft-spoken thief, despite limited dialogue. However, Midhun Venugopal's portrayal of Eldho falters, as his exaggerated expressions dampen the film's emotional depth. At one hour and thirty-eight minutes, The Secret of Women intricately reveals how two women subtly yet masterfully manipulate the men who cross their paths. A lingering shot of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile serves as a fitting metaphor for their actions. Underneath the film's mystery, Sen astutely critiques patriarchal structures, demonstrating how power shifts in unexpected ways. While the performances are uneven, the film's thematic strength ensures its impact.

in Nowrunning

Josh deftly manages to eschew banal investigation sequences and neatly entwines a social issue that affects many lives. Amid the familiarity of the premise, the bizarre treatment enables the film to sustain its engaging status. 'Kirkkan' embraces a low-key affair in establishing the milieu of the tale and adopting cinematic fripperies within the limited resources. Newcomers impress in certain sequences while the seemingly dramatic demeanours of Maqbool and Kani affect the flow of the tale. The protagonist undergoes the conflict and pain of his consciousness and Salim Kumar brings off the emotions convincingly. The journey to a hackneyed issue is not flawless but