Porter Kunjali

P.A Thoms' 'Porter Kunjali' follows the tried and tested clichéd formula of a drama. The execution is quite poor but not as bad as most of the 60's mainstream cinema. The cinematography is flat and the editing is terrible. 'Porter Kunjali' is one of those films that REALLY needed strong editing. The movie drags on and on for hours when it could have easily been tightened.

Muthayya is stiff and downright bad in many scenes, especially in the final sequence which is unintentionally hilarious. His best scenes are those with Sheela and Omana (minus the drunken sequence - which was another example of bad acting). For the most part, Prem Nazir does the best with what he's given but he too has his moments of bad acting. In all fairness to him, his role itself was terribly written. Bahadoor and Adoor Bhasi are quite. Omana's Kunhu Pathumma isn't much of a challenge for a good actress but Omana plays her with grace, poise and sincerity.

Sheela is a revelation. She was known in the 60s for playing the typical lover roles but in 'Porter Kunjali' she is the only actor who manages to draw sympathy from the viewer. A mother and wife so torn between her husband and son that it takes a serious toll on her health but even that doesn't resolve the conflict between Aamina and Kunjali. The actress downplays her part with élan and this is perhaps one of her best and most underrated performance. To sum it up, 'Portar Kunjali' is a poorly made movie. The story is filled with plot holes. It has two beautiful songs, namely 'Jannat Thamara' and 'Katturumbinte Kaathu kuthinu', that are well visualized. However, it leaves a lot to be desired.