Nna Thaan Case Kodu

Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval's third directorial venture is a poignantly written and superbly executed political satire under the guise of a courtroom drama. His trademark situational humor and sharp dialogues are among the film's notable positives. It also helps that Kunchacko Boban continues his string of excellent performances, playing a character we couldn't imagine him do in his early days. Backing up the lead performance are fantastic feats from the entire supporting cast that includes several newcomers amid a few familiar faces like the effervescent Rajesh Madhavan (who also handpicked these performers as a casting director).

It's difficult not to mention talents like P. P. Kunhikrishnan (the adorable magistrate) alongside Advocates Shukkur and Krishnan who end up as an unforgettable duo. Gayathrie, who plays the female lead, shines in pretty much every scene she's in. Dawn Vincent's musical score lends gravitas to several punchy courtroom scenes. It's rare to see the audience clap so much for counter-dialogues but I was able to witness that today after a long time. There are also smart jabs taken at (literally) everyone in power, making us realize the irony in our understanding of a functional democracy. The gradual hike in petrol prices shown on the film's time-stamps is also quite an inventive move.

Unlike, say Jana Gana Mana, which was loud and slightly over-the-top in its storytelling, Nna Thaan Case Kodu remains grounded all through, and the humor is certainly refreshing.