Enthada Saji review: Nivetha Thomas, Kunchacko's feel-good film is a passable Easter treat

3/5

Story: Sajimol decides to turn her life around, after people continually question her about staying unmarried. One day, her prayers about finding the perfect man get answered when Saint Rocky appears to help her. Their conversations pave the way for Sajimol's romance with Roy. But just when she thinks she has everything sorted out, the Saint disappears from her life.

Review: Mammootty and director Ranjith's Prachiyettan and the Saint would probably be the first film to come to mind when you think of a believer's discreet conversations with a divine or supernatural entity. Debutant filmmaker Godfy Xavier Babu uses the same trope in a family entertainer that has a chirpy woman protagonist who is searching for the perfect man.

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Enthada Saji has Nivetha Thomas making a comeback to Malayalam as its titular character Sajimol, whose unmarried status is the talk of the town. Her prayers at the chapel of St Rocky are for a man who would understand her free-spirited nature. Little does she expect these to be answered, by Saint Rocky (Kunchacko Boban) himself. Their delightful conversations - stemming from her curiosity to know all about him to him pushing her to get life in order - form the plot of the movie, which takes a turn when St Rocky goes missing.

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While the movie has fantasy elements sprinkled throughout, these don't interfere with the film's treatment of a feel-good entertainer that is clearly aimed at the family audience. It's the warm moments that happen in Sajimol's life that form the heart of this movie - be it her budding romance with Roy (Jayasurya in an extended cameo) or how she takes the effort to track down a missing idol.

Nivetha's character is also devised as a simple but affable one, and is ably portrayed by the actress. She holds her own in a hilarious proposal scene with Jayasurya as well as the introduction scene of Saint Rocky. Jayasurya, though present only for a limited time, complements her character well. Though Saint Rocky is probably one of the easiest roles Kunchacko has played in the past few years, it's fun to watch the actor don the cassock again after Romans, this time in a more pleasing and warm performance.

Also read: Pookkaalam review: Ganesh Raj’s sophomore directorial soars on the back of a stirring second half 

The film's second half, which becomes a mystery, does feel inconsistent and rather too simple. However, overall, Enthada Saji is a simple movie that the family audience can enjoy during the Easter weekend.

Verdict: Simple and pleasing, Enthada Saji is elevated by some warm moments and delightful performances of its cast.