Pani

I have always liked Malayalam films for their fresh stories and novel themes. Some time ago, I watched a movie called Irratta and really enjoyed it. The lead actor, Joju George, delivered an outstanding performance in dual roles. After seeing his talent, I thought Telugu filmmakers might cast him in prominent roles, but for some reason, that didn't happen.

Recently, while browsing for Malayalam movies, I came across Pani. Seeing that Joju George was the lead actor, my curiosity was piqued. Believing in the strength of Malayalam storytelling, I decided to watch it-and it didn't disappoint. It turned out to be one of the best thrillers I've seen. Interestingly, I learned this was also Joju George's directorial debut.

The movie revolves around a peaceful family disrupted by two young men with criminal tendencies. Although the family has a background in gangster dealings, they are largely involved in settlements and avoid violence. However, their lives are turned upside down by these seemingly ordinary youngsters.

After watching the movie, I checked out a few reviews. Many described it as a routine vengeance drama and questioned how two boys could realistically unsettle a gangster family. To me, these critics missed the core idea the director wanted to convey. The film highlights a troubling trend among Kerala's youth-a growing fascination with crime as a form of entertainment. These boys aren't just committing crimes for money; they evolve into psychopathic killers who derive pleasure from violence. In contrast, gangsters like Giri (the main lead) in the movie resort to violence only when there's a purpose or reason.

The story begins with the two boys killing someone involved in a land dispute for money. The gangsters in Thrissur are shocked because they usually know if a rival gang is involved, but this time, the crime is committed by two ordinary boys. Their "ordinariness" is their greatest advantage-no one would suspect them of such audacious acts.

The main conflict arises when one of the boys tries to molest Giri's wife and is beaten up by him. This incident sets off a chain of gruesome events and unexpected murders. Yes, the director takes some creative liberties-like how these boys seem to roam around without getting caught-but that's the point. Their seemingly weak and unassuming nature allows them to go unnoticed, adding a unique layer to the story.

The movie is engaging, though I felt a few scenes were slightly slow. Joju George's acting is exceptional-he conveys so much with subtle facial expressions. Abhinaya, who plays his wife, also delivers a strong performance. The background music is excellent and enhances the film's mood. Many scenes were shot in real locations in Thrissur, giving the movie a raw and authentic feel. I'm impressed they pulled this off, especially since shooting in public places with a star like Joju George isn't easy. The cinematography beautifully captures these realistic settings.

Overall, Pani offers a fresh perspective on vengeance stories, emphasizing how today's youth are drawn to crime without fully understanding its consequences. It also explores how society overlooks individuals like these boys due to their outwardly harmless appearance. While there are a few slow moments, the movie's unique take and gripping narrative make it stand out.