IBTimes India Rating: 4
If you haven't been to Idukki in Kerala, "Maheshinte Prathikaram" will entice you to visit that beautiful village at least once in your lifetime. Set in the beautiful locale of the high range, the Fahadh Faasil-starrer is a visual treat, with cinematographer Shyju Khalid capturing the beauty of Idukki right from the introductory song "Malamele Thirivechu".
"Maheshinte Prathikaram" doesn't have an extraordinary storyline. Instead, it is a simple yet convincing family entertainer about a commoner, said to be based on a real-life event. Mahesh Bhavana (Fahadh) is a photographer in Idukki and owns a small studio. However, he is no exceptional or talented photographer. Anusree plays his childhood sweetheart Soumya, and their relationship is something all the villagers are aware of. Two unexpected events change Mahesh's life and how he overcomes them forms the crux of the movie.
Fahadh has done justice to his character Mahesh, and has proved he can shine as a romantic simple man, a loving and caring son as well as a person who vows to take revenge against someone for hurting him without any reason. As usual, Anusree has done a decent job and Soubin Shahir (Crispin) and Alencier Ley's (Baby) comedy created ripples of laughter in theatres.
Theatre artiste KL Antony, who played Mahesh's father Vincent Bhavana, needs a special mention, with his experience in the profession evident from his natural way of acting. Aparna Balamurali may have made her debut as a leading lady in Vineeth Sreenivasan's "Oru Second Class Yathra," but her performance as Jimcy in the Fahadh-starrer is worth mentioning more because she has done justice to her character. Lijomol Jose (Sonia) and Jaffer Idukki (Kunjumon) have also done a decent job. Overall, the makers can be proud of their casting choices for "Maheshinte Prathikaram." Even Mahesh's pet dog became an instant hero.
Director Dileesh Pothan, who has also acted as Eldho in the flick, has been able to make the movie simple yet entertaining. Bijibal's music and songs penned by Rafeeq Ahammed blended well with the situations of the movie, scripted by Syam Pushkaran, who must be lauded for bringing freshness into the story. The song "Malamele Thirivechu" has already become the favourite of many.
Saiju Sreedharan's crisp editing has made the movie engaging, and Sameera Saneesh's costumes have lent it the rural touch. The studio Mahesh owns is a set made for the film, and art director Ajayan Chalissery needs a special mention for setting it up in a convincing manner, with every minute detail making it resemble an old studio.
Overall, the Fahadh-starrer is a simple movie with the right amount of romance, comedy, action and revenge, although it has an abrupt ending that comes as a surprise. After a series of not-so-successful movies, Fahadh is back with a bang, and the film is a must-watch even if you are not a fan of the young actor.
