Ayalum Njanum Thammil...

It's quite a challenge to write a review about such a movie as "Between him and me" as whatever I'm trying to say sounds nothing comparing to my feelings about the film.

Writing any review you're trying to indicate the main issue. But what if every moment, every word, every glance is the main thing?

Looking at the posters, promo, stills and reading about "ANT" I thought the film was about the medical world. But it is not. Well, it is, but just 10% of the movie. Together with the characters you'll think who a heaven-born doctor is and what it is being a doctor. Who can make decisions about life and death? Family? Yes, this is what the laws say. But what if the family being hysterical can't think adequately? Should a doctor save life despite their opinion? And does he have such a right? And can a doctor forget his main goal – saving life – working in compliance with the laws? Or should he risk and take a chance even if it means ruining his reputation?

But the movie is much bigger than that.

What I loved the most about "ANT" is that there you won't find any flawless and totally positive heroes. Every character is a real person with his/her strengths and weaknesses. Maybe this is why a viewer can emphasize.

Hats off to the filmmakers for letting us observe how Dr Ravi has been growing up. We see a light-minded student who thinks more about having fun, parties and love than his studies, and can't even write down a diagnosis told by a patient. But the life hit him so terribly that my heart was bleeding watching his sufferings. You can't avoid the feeling how it happens in life – one tiny filth can cause huge evil sprouting terrible despair which can deprive of all morality, and even a decent person can lose a human face risking someone's life. Doesn't it happen in real life?

You're looking at the man and can't stop feeling anger as despise him. But at the same moment you realize that this person (that cop) has ruined his life, just like that, for fun, showing-off… and you understand the doctor and the reasons of his cruelty… but other people can't be responsible for actions of their relatives, even if they are the worst people on earth… despising but understanding – all feelings put together…

Just like a snowball starts with only one snowflake, some tiny evil can lead to terrible consequences ruining lives. But an act of kindness can heal better than any medicine. We watch how Dr Samuel acts against his principles, but he believes in Dr Ravi and forgives his mistake and gives him second chance. What if he hadn't done it? Would have been there the same Dr Ravi who is ready to risk his reputation for saving lives? I don't think so. If a person has a heart I don't think he/she can remain indifferent to "ANT" as it's a smart and delicate movie.

As for the actors, Prithvi was just brilliant! I felt every emotion with him. I didn't realize it was just a movie, really forgot about it –so amazing work he did. He appeared in different images starting from a young reckless guy to a passionate loving man, from an intern found himself face-to-face with real world in a hospital without any cheat- sheets to a broken man – Prithviraj can play everything. Hats off, Prithvi!

Samvrutha – I don't like this actress and with every movie even more. But her part is not big and helps to show Dr Ravi, nothing more. So OK. Anyway I would prefer any other girl playing Sainu. As for Rima and Remya – liked both of them, beautiful girls and good performance.

Narain – love this guy. So sad his role is not big. Charming, nice looking, good actor. My favourite scene is when Vivek is watching the news on TV about his best friend being in trouble. All palettes of emotions are in his eyes.

Well, resuming my thoughts, this film is like a little life and this is why no words can describe it in a way it deserves. It's just one of the best movies I've watched in years.

My obeisance to the whole crew as everything is brilliant in this film.

Ayalum Njanum Thammil (2012) : Brief Review -

Before society, the doctor needs to understand his job and obligation-Lal Jose proves with his medical drama. Doctors are known as forms of God, and rightfully so. I myself once wanted to be a doctor but then changed paths of education. Some of my friends are having good careers in the medical field, and I have immense respect for them. One of my doctor friends says, "Some jobs give you more than a salary. Instead of bank balance, I am hungry for people's blessings and creating goodwill through my work." I fully agree with him, and that's why I have a huge amount of respect for him. During the pandemic, while I was sitting at home, he was busy serving people, and that too 24 x 7. Man, this is a tough job. Lal Jose's Ayalum Njanum Thammil shows you some aspects of it but unfortunately misses many more valuable segments that could have taken the film to the next level. The film is about a wannabe doctor who realises the importance of a job and the impact it has on society. We have seen many films based on the same idea, with different fields such as the Army, Civil service, and even a chef. What this film lacks is a strong emotional connect with the main character, which is diverted to the second lead, Dr. Samuel, played by Prathap Pothen. It's more like his film than Prithviraj Sukimaran's. Lal's execution also falters on many occasions, as ANT looks like a low-grade and dated film. His love story and the cop's anguish took up a lot of screen space, which was unnecessary. The same space could have been used for the intelligence and thoughtful conversations between Samuel and Ravi. Sukumaran's honest act and Pothen's subtle impact save the film from drowning; rather, they make sure that it becomes a must-see. I have seen better films on doctors and their Great work, so this one felt just fairly good, nothing more than that.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I am so glad that i watched this movie. The movie is excellent and i could not find any flaws throughout the entire movie. Well Scripted, Amazing acting by Prithviraj! Direction is beyond words i must say. I am well wondered about the fact that people claim this as an "overrated movie!". I wish for more movies like this, rather than making many masala movies.

The film was a captivating story right from the beginning crowned with an outstanding performance. You'll never look at medical practice the same way

DELICIOUS

-Jomon T John and his team were spectacular! The camera lens choices, angles, and great lighting contributed to superior storytelling

-We're not big fans of Prithviraj as his performance usually fluctuates, but in ANT, he outshone himself!

We believed him when he was the immature & nagging intern and later when he was more conscious and resolute. Prathap Pothen was simply graceful 👌🏾

-ANT was a unique screenplay packed with fantastic dialogues that made us question our life purpose and refrain from self-centeredness.

The story dived deep into the practice of medicine exposing the dirty work behind the scenes. ANT will teach you the necessity to be mature by never taking things for granted and always being responsible

-Editing and special effects have to be commended as well 🙌🏾

BLAND

-Dr. Supriya had her hair down during surgery which is normally against protocols😳

-Dubbing suffered quite a bit

-The storytelling included a great number of flashbacks that it became tedious to constantly return to the past.

One of the best movie in the Malayalam industry. The direction and story of the movie were awesome. Prithviraj's one of the best movie in his career. I love this film. It is one of the best film from Malayalam industry.