PremiumThallumaala movie review: Tovino Thomas’ swag, Khalid Rahman’s stylish making power this trendy entertainer
The climax sequence of Tovino Thomas' Thallumaala – where you have people flying all over the place and unlikely heroes emerging – especially would make you think that this trendy entertainer has all of a sudden turned into a ‘mass’ film and a highly enjoyable one at that
Last Updated: 02.43 PM, Aug 12, 2022
Story: Waseem and his friends – Jamshi, Vikas, Rajesh and Sattar – have a penchant of getting into fights for the most inane of reasons, in fact, this is what forms the foundation of the friendship. This also becomes the turning point at some of the most important junctures in their lives – from a bride-seeing ceremony to wedding. After another group enters the fray just before Waseem’s wedding with vlogger Beepathu, presumedly with the intention of burying the hatchet, how does the gang of friends, whose egos can flare up at a moment’s notice, react?
Review: In his career spanning just four films, director Khalid Rahman has tackled four totally different projects, while ensuring to retain the so-called commercial elements to engage the audience. His craft has stood out right from his debut film Anuraga Karikkin Vellam to Unda and Love, and now with Thallumaala, he takes it even higher proving that the industry can bring out films that can satisfy the audience here as well as compete even with those at the international level. The Tovino Thomas, Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer is one of those rare films where all the technical departments fire, aided with some great performances that aren't just limited to the protagonists. To put it in a colloquial way, this one is ‘mass’ and ‘class’.
The film, scripted by Muhsin Parari and Ashraf Hamza – both directors themselves, has a thin plot; in fact, it’s about a group of friends who frequently get into fights. Almost all the important incidents in their lives are punctuated by a brawl – from the beginning of their friendship to the protagonist’s wedding. Irrespective of this, what makes the film an engaging watch, despite the recurring fracas that ensues on screen, is how the stories are stitched together – going back and forth and back again. It’s almost like the editing itself mirrors what happens in the life of Waseem, who moves one step forward in life only to get into a fight and take two steps back.
It's one of those rare gems where the editor, Nishaf Yousuf in this case, might have had to work in conjunction with the writers more than the director, and the effort shows on screen. Such a movie has not been made in Malayalam yet. You can probably draw a comparison with Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in terms of its vibrant storytelling and structure but even that would be unfair, because Thallumaala is so original. It’s ultimately a maker’s film because the craft outshines everything else in the movie and yet keeps the audience gripped by feeding them elements that they know are coming in an entertainer like this, but in a totally different package. The climax sequence – where you have people flying all over the place and unlikely heroes emerging – especially would make you think that this trendy entertainer has all of a sudden turned into a ‘mass’ film and a highly enjoyable one at that.
While there might have been a talk of how Tovino Thomas has missed a big trick with Minnal Murali opting for an OTT release, Thallumaala more than makes up for it. The actor is all swag as Waseem in the film. He fits into the group and is undoubtedly its leader but there’s also leeway for other characters played by Lukman Avaran’s Jimshi, Adhri Joe, Swati Das and Austin Dan to shine in the film as much as the hero. Tovino’s subtlety here works with his sequences with Kalyani’s Beepathu and his father, essayed by Johny Antony. But what will truly get the audience excited are the action sequences – the one in the climax and the brilliantly shot fight scene in a theatre. The actor’s flexibility as a performer is also what has landed him roles such as those in Minnal Murali and Thallumaala.
Shine Tom Chacko as sub inspector Reji puts on another show for the audience. He flits between endearing and unpredictable seamlessly. He and Lukman also get some of the best scenes in the movie. Kalyani as Beepathu gets to show a different side of herself in the movie, and doesn’t miss a beat as a vlogger with a commanding presence. Her sequence with Waseem, where the former says she just doesn’t know how to apologise, sums up her character’s attitude. The writers also deserve credit for ensuring that each character has their moment in the film and no one is wasted. From Binu Pappu to Chemban Vinod Jose, each actor contributes to the story.
In a film that is packed with songs and action scenes, the cinematography has a huge role to play and Jimshi Khalid makes it a visual treat, with the art team ensuring that every frame – be it a shot in a fish market or the inside of a van – is an explosion of colours. Vishnu Vijay’s music too adds to the trendy layer of the film.
If there’s a grouse to pick, it’s that the film does tend to slow down once the novelty wears off in the middle. The action sequences become a tad tiring. However, the makers more than make up for these while tying up everything together with a hilarious scuffle inside an SUV and the climax wedding fight. The back-and-forth edits might appear confusing but Tovino’s different looks help sort that out.
Verdict: While Malayalam cinema has often been hailed for its realistic films, Tovino Thomas and Khalid Rahman’s Thallumaala could be a trendsetter, marrying both quality and entertainment with a craft that is on par with international standards.