Udaykrishnan's twisted story of a cunning and learned thief (Biju Menon) helping a gullible Deputy Superintendent of Police (Siddique) crack a murder case is as ridiculous as it sounds, but where Suresh Divakar's Aanakkallan (Big Thief) shines is in the comedy department. The first half - which takes its viewers through a journey with the police-thief duo as they set out together in a family landscape to hunt for clues - delivers laugh out comedy, even for the stiff-hearted. The slapstick is very good despite it resorting to foolish acts where veteran actors like Siddique, Suresh Krishna, and even Saikumar are made to dance. Unfortunately, the comedy crime drama goes back to the basics and tries to impress you with its predictable twists, giving you a bad taste in the mouth. The flip-flopping between genres and a stream of incoming new characters (one played by Anusree) further tires you as you wish all the drama had ended sooner. But Aanakkallan takes about two eternities to finish and then ends abruptly. Just like this review. TN.
