Elaveezhapoonchira review: Soubin Shahir, Sudhy Kopa’s slow-burn thriller is as engaging as it's atmospheric

3/5

Story:

The quiet hills of Elaveezhapoonchira are shocked from their stupor when a gruesome killing surfaces in the region. A pair of policemen at the hill station find themselves a part of the chaos that ensues, striving to keep their head above water.

Review:

If one has to describe Elaveezhapoonchira in one word, it would definitely be ‘atmospheric’. The film’s title itself more or less guarantees that, and Shahi Kabir’s feature length directorial debut definitely does not disappoint on that front. The director makes brilliant use of the film’s picturesque setting. He weaves the hill station’s distinct characteristics into the story skillfully, yet in a way that does not seem overpowering, in a way rarely seen in thrillers with a rural setting. Viewers are given a sweeping look into how dangerous and unforgiving the Elaveezhapoonchira’s hills can be, something only people with an intimate knowledge of the region can. Shahi’s experience as a police officer stationed there at one point seems to have shone through, as we are offered a shockingly visceral look into the everyday lives of policemen stationed at the place. From the threat of fatal thunderstorms to being miles away from the nearest human settlements, the Elaveezhapoonchira shown in the film is definitely a far cry from the sanitised versions of the hill station tourists find themselves in. The skillful cinematography gives viewers a plethora of wonderful glimpses of the region in all its beauty.

While the titular region is shown in all its unbridled fury and beauty, the subtle, muted performances of Soubin Shahir and Sudhy Kopa are a startling contrast with the overall tone of the film. But it seems that the contrast was a conscious decision, which makes the film all the more affecting. We see Soubin skillfully essay his character with the subtlety the plot demands. Although the role is in no way dialogue heavy, the actor impresses with his magnetic performance throughout. Sudhy also does justice to his role as well, his chemistry and his character’s contrast with that of Soubin’s also makes their dynamic interesting to watch.

Although it's no secret that the film is a crime thriller, it is not until the end of its first half that the plot starts to actually enter the territory. To the credit of the writer, director and actors, the film manages to engage even before the ‘crime thriller’ aspect of the story is underway, the ‘mundane’ aspects of the policemen’s everyday life in Elaveezhapoonchira also having enough intrigue to captivate. The dramatic, unexpected pivot the story takes halfway, however, paves the way for some of the most riveting and gripping parts of the film’s narrative yet. Some of the excellently written sequences do a splendid job at keeping the tension consistent and heavy, and viewers are kept guessing until the shocking, unusual climax. The way the story culminates may leave some viewers in two minds, confused as to whether its bizarreness is brilliant or just plain peculiar for the sake of shock value.

Verdict:

Elaveezhapoonchira manages to engage and keep audiences captivated way before delving into the crux of its story, thanks to its stellar direction, writing and performances. Although the film manages to keep its narrative consistently engaging right until the third act, the unusual ending might not be palatable for all viewers.