Manjadikkuru :: Movie review

For those who still cherish the memories of the joint family and the thrill and happiness that go with it, ‘Manjadikuru’ will be a journey back to their childhood and the shared experiences. In ‘Manjadikuru’, the flashback, takes you back to the 1980’s, to the lost childhood and the innocence of youth. The story is retold through the memories of Vikki who, older and wiser, yearns for those wonderful days. Vicki as a young boy of 10, comeshome for his grandfather’s cremation. Grandmother insists that her husband’s will shall be opened only after the formalities are completed, which forces everyone to stay back for 16 days.This was an opportunity for Vicky to mix with his cousins and uncles and aunts and neighbours and he spends an eventful 16 days in his village. He comes to learn the ways of thepeople, the feelings and emotionsthat run their lives, all through theeyes of a ten-year old boy, and goes back a better person. The movie is definitely going to take you back and bring nostalgicmemories of those lost periods. You will recognize many of your dear and near ones in the characters like the hot-blooded rebel played by Murali, the rude and haughty son-in-law by Jagathy, The tender and loving Praveena who is aunt and sister to many, the dominating mother by Urvasi, the cunning relative by Bindu Panikker and many more. And the most striking and noticeable feature of the movie is the absolute innocence of the children so beautifully conveyed by the talented child artists. The story is narrated through the perception of children which makes the plot simple, straightforward and easy to the senses. The child artists are terrific and perfectly natural. Prithviraj as the adult Vicki makes a brief appearance but lends his voice for Vicki’s narration. He makes hisguest appearance along with Padmapriya towards the climax. Praveena, Bindu Panikker, Rahiman and Urvasi have themostscreen presence after the childrenand they do a commendable job. Murali, Thilakan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma have performed impressively in their small but significant roles. Anjali Menon’s role should in no way be underplayed as she has achieved to make a great film out of a simple story. She has highlighted each individual character without giving importance to anyone in particular. The script, written by herself, is touching, sensitive and subtle. She will attain greater heights very soon. Pietro Zuercher’s photography brings out the rustic beauty of Kerala village while Francois Gamaury’s background score is absolutely apt and amazing. Kavalam Narayana Panikker’s lyrics are tuned by Ramesh Narayanan to produce soft and melodious music. The film has been kept simple, highlights relationships and family values, and has to be seen with the whole family. Verdict: Small But Beautiful & Nostalgic ...! Film Festival Reviews:- ---------------------------------------- Anjali Menon's Manjadikuru, points to a larger renewal of Malayalam cinema and is not merely an isolated triumph by a gifted and intelligent first-time filmmaker.