When Biju Menon's film "Vellimoonga" was released in 2014, the Keralite audience were a little reluctant to watch it. But, the film rocked the box office in the state by collecting more than Rs 20 crore.
The success of the Jibu Jacob directorial has now helped Biju's latest outing "Salt Mango Tree", which has also been receiving positive response from the critics and audience alike.
Rajesh Nair's latest comedy revolves around the family of Aravind TP (Biju), which comprises of his wife Priya and 5-year-old son Manu.
"Salt Mango Tree" goes through a relevant social topic and shows the efforts that parents put in to get their children admitted to leading English medium schools.
Scripted by Vinod Vijayakumar and Vinod Jayakumaran, the 2-hour-4-minute-long movie also has Lakshmi Chandramouli, Master Varkichan, Suhasini Maniratnam, Paris Laxmi, Sarayu, Indrans, Sudheer Karamana and Sunil Sukhada in pivotal roles.
From the response of social media users, it is understood that Biju has emerged successful in coming up with another comedy entertainer after "Vellimoonga".
Check out audience's response below:
Really overwhelmed by the audience response for 'Salt Mango Tree'...Trivandrum added one more theatre from today...a family funtertainer...
BhaskarNath
Funny take on the menace that is the LKG admissions in Kerala with the father and mother interviewed more than the children! One time watch...
Vaishnav Garry
Such a beautifully crafted movie ‪#‎salt-mango-tree Hats off ‪#‎bijumenon. !!
Siddharth Nair‎
Salt mango tree. No words to say after a long time watched a Malayalam movie with a good and strong message. Nice comedy ExcellentBGM. NICE SONGS. bijumenon has carried the movie in his shoulders. Rajesh Nair's direction has to be applauded. This is a must watch for all. Strongly recommended. Don't miss it
Koshy Thomas
Salt Mango Tree !! Movie with a Message to all Parents and Schools... a Must watch !!... movie filled wit laughter and Moments of Moistening of Eyes..you wipe the tears with a Smile..
Suresh Kumar Raveendran
"Salt mango tree" - A clean family entertainer with a beautiful message ! I just loved it...
Check out critics reviews below:
Direction by Rajesh Nair and screenplay is by Vinod, who really maintained a good standard. They never stretched the story too long and the humor flavor in which they narrated the story really went well with the audience.
Biju Menon once again sizzled as Aravind, it was his witty expressions and comic numbers which was the highlight of the film. Lakshmi Chandramauli played the character Priya and she done it beautifully as well. Kanaran Harish was super as the medical shop attender.The DOP by Vishnu Sharma was very good and Bijipal once again proved that he is one among the best when it comes to creating music which makes us feel nostalgic.
In total Salt Mango Tree is a feel good and decent entertainer, which make you think as well as laugh. It is not an extra ordinary ride but a ride through the life of the lives of an ordinary man and his family.
Salt Mango Tree is surely no Vellimoonga as there is a struggle through its story the feel-good factor comes too late while the messages are only partially brought to full light. What you will love about this movie is how Biju Menon has lifted this movie out of nowhere to make it a watchable flick; he brings so much fun to this movie which was all set to spoil its main idea with its weak story-line. Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli also contributes very well during the emotional sequences. This could make an okay watch with family if you don't raise your expectations.
The film had followed a medium pace and had nothing extra ordinary in it. Salt Mango tree in an entertainer for the families and will not disappoint you as a viewer. It will make you smile at many points and may remind you about your life as well.
The story of the movie is not very powerful but simple and the film is well executed by the director Rajesh Nair. Lakshmi Chandramouli charms everyone with her best performance as the pair of Biju Menon and the child artist Varkichan really did an amazing performance in his debut movie. The songs like " Kattummel Ancharu.." and "Kanavil Kanavil Parannuyaran" of Hesham Abdhul Wahab are also good. The movie Salt Mango tree is a must watch entertainment for the family audience and it is sure that the movie will make you feel good.
"Salt Mango Tree" emphasizes the importance of family that eagerly awaits the arrival of their children and grandchildren who have moved to cities. Bringing in many elements of contemporary relevance laced with humour, the movie is afamily entertainer revolving around a simple plot that banks on fun factors, hence making it a worthwhile watch.
