Althaf Salim's 'Njandukalude Naatil oru Idavela' - Review

Althaf Salim in Premam.

'ഇവനെ പാലത്തുമെന്നു തള്ളി ഇട്ടാലോ..' is what Nivin says about Althaf Salim's character in the 'Pathivayi' song in Premam. We are glad that he didn't have to come to it. We watched Althaf's directorial debut the aptly titled 'ഞണ്ടുകളുടെ നാട്ടിൽ  ഒരു ഇടവേള' and loved it. A film that you can watch and enjoy along with your family and friends. 

While many debut film makers fall prey to stardom and mass masala subjects(read 'Kasaba'), Althaf chose to do a different theme, one on the struggles in the life of a Cancer patient and their family(read middle class). Which is something that deserves mention and applause. Not only has he highlighted the struggles, he has sketched the topic and thoughts in a humorous way, taking occasional hard hitting digs at the society we live in and the stigma that surrounds cancer. The plus of the film ultimately is the humor laid narrative and the optimism that it carries. 

Njandukalude Naatil oru Idavela promotional poster.

The film starts off with a day in the life of Sheela (Shanthi Krishna), a bold women, lecturer,  wife, mother of three living a peaceful life with her family somewhere in Kochi. Things take a twist as she doubts symptoms of breast cancer, she soon shares the news with her husband Chacko who immediately goes panic mode 'on'. The plot unveils as she calls up her only son Kurian from London to Kerala, who believes his parents has arranged for his marriage. The film then goes on to discuss all the events in a cancer patient's life, from breaking the news to your dear ones to different stages of chemo, hair loss, waiting for results and ultimately recovery. All these events are presented in a mature yet humorous narrative. There are often digs at the society who are often rude and compassion less to cancer patients and their family. 

The beautiful and talented Shanti Krishna makes a comeback with 'Sheela Chacko'

Coming to casting, Shanti Krishna steals the show as Sheela Chacko, the bold and strong protagonist of the film. It would be hard to imagine someone else essaying the role once you have finished the film. Then there is Lal, for whom this is yet another casual role. Nivin Pauly plays a character similar to the one in Jacobinte Swargarajyam here and plays his part well. Ahaana Krishna gets some spotlight after the much loved 'Njan Steve Lopez' and lives up to her role. The rest of the cast has also played their parts well.

There are some beautiful songs in the film, with 'Nanavere' being our favorite. Then there is the 'Enthavo' song. The music is by we believe a debutant Justin Varghese who has done some great work for the film. Mukesh Muraleedharan's cinematography is also something that adds to the value of the film. My wife loved the way his frames captured the beautiful 'Chacko' house with all it's plants and flowers. What we also liked about the film is the fact it doesn't revolve around one character, everyone in the Chacko family has an almost equal screen space. Lastly we should thank 'Pauly jr' productions for welcoming yet another talented director to our Industry. 

To summarize, The film is a family entertainer that discusses a much relevant issue in Kerala at the moment in a way that is refreshingly new and everything but depressing. Take a break in the land of crabs and watch it with your family and friends.