Paavada Malayalam Movie

Feature Film | 2016 | U | Action
Critics:
Audience:
Maarthandan's 'Paavaada' austerely overcomes its initial shortcomings by delving head deep into a theme that is heart rending to the core. At times a crowd pleaser and at others an emotive jaunt, 'Paavaada' does manage to deliver the dramatic punch all right.
Jan 18, 2016 By Veeyen


Maarthandan's 'Paavaada' austerely overcomes its initial shortcomings by delving head deep into a theme that is heart rending to the core. At times a crowd pleaser and at others an emotive jaunt, 'Paavaada' does manage to deliver the dramatic punch all right.


Paampu Joy (Prithviraj) has drenched himself in alcohol for a long while now, and distraught by his irresponsible ways, his wife Sinimol (Mia George) abandons him and takes refuge in an old age home where she works as a nurse. Babu Joseph (Anoop Menon) had once been a professor in English Literature, but his addiction to liquor has cost him his job as well as his life. In a drunken stupor, the professor-turned-planter roams the streets at night getting involved in brawls and throwing stones at his former lover's window.



The two meet at a de-addiction centre, from where they plan and fruitfully carry out a great escape. Pretty soon, Joy takes over as the planter's confidante, and things go pretty well, until he discovers a dusty box that unintentionally leaves a few skeletons from the closet scattered all around.


The first hour of 'Paavaada' could even be termed tedious, with hardly any progress being made in the plot. A succession of drunken acts takes up almost an hour and a half with a few worthy jokes serving as a sweetener every now and then. Beyond the peripheral gloss, 'Paavaada' seems to have little to offer and it almost looks like a losing proposition until the startling half way card comes up on screen.


Very rarely does a film do a volte face like it does in 'Paavaada', and the latter half of the film stands out in striking contrast to its chaotic former half. Almost as if having firmly resolved to get its game straight once and for all, the film binds itself into a cohesive whole, moving steadfastly towards a stirring climax.



The wobbly act over, the two drunkards start walking around sturdily, and for once, focus on the impending disaster that is about to wreck their lives. The court room scenes turn out to be quite stirring with the introduction of Anantharama Iyer (Siddique), the lethal lawyer who has a double ended sword for a tongue.


It remains however, that the film has a clear resemblance to the film 'Matinee' that was released a couple of years ago, that talked of the sleaze politics in the film industry that rips the life of an actress apart. It's another matter altogether that 'Matinee' never lets its emphasis slip away from its central theme, while 'Paavaada' takes its own time to reach there.


Prithvi as Paampu Joy reinstates that this wonderful actor has matured beyond his age and is still bound to surprise us with one performance after the other. He is a treat to watch, and in 'Paavaada', he easily puts everyone else in the shade. Anoop Menon is superbly effective as Babu Joseph, while Nedumudi Venu, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Siddique, Asha Sarath and Mia George competently lend support. And there is a delightful special appearance at the very end that is bound to bring a smile to your lips.


'Paavaada' significantly gains from its lead actor, and the explicit message that it has in store adds to its charm. Albeit a bit uneven, 'Paavaada' comes across as a pleasing film that has been well made for most of its part.


Veeyen

   

USER REVIEWS
Viruthan Shanku

Don't think this movie deserves 2.5 stars. Ridiculously over the top acting by Prithviraj. Complete waste of time . I co... Show more
Don't think this movie deserves 2.5 stars. Ridiculously over the top acting by Prithviraj. Complete waste of time . I couldn't wait for it be over. The big surprise in the end is such a big yawn
Shivaraj Nair

A kind-hearted story about two alcoholic men, G Marthandan's Pavada is sure to impact on people's heart in Kerala. Evenl... Show more
A kind-hearted story about two alcoholic men, G Marthandan's Pavada is sure to impact on people's heart in Kerala. Evenly garnished with comedy and curiosity, perhaps tried to give a message against alcoholism. Film ends up having a moralistic tone, especially during the second half. If you are not expecting a high voltage drama stuffed with usual humor, Pavada can turn out to be a beautiful experience. Pavada surely got mothers touch.
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