Central Theatre Malayalam Movie
Towards the fag end of the year, along comes another wannabe thriller that bites the dust even before it makes an endeavour to make a point. 'Central Theatre' is a crackpot attempt at film making that has plenty of loose ends hanging about, and even a greater number of structural blemishes wholly ruining the narrative.
If you ask me what the film is all about, it wouldn't take more than a couple of sentences to divulge what exactly happens (or does not happen rather) in 'Central Theatre'. It's a customary lost and found case that is unearthed in the film, with a child getting kidnapped and a dedicated police officer setting himself down to tackling the case with a vengeance.
Did I hear someone murmur that it sounds like a thriller all right? Yeah. Obviously we have seen many a thriller on the very same lines, and if 'Central Theatre' still brings about that feeling of ennui in no time, it's not just because of the familiarity of the premise that it shamelessly puts on show. It's also because it's a film that desperately tries to rise above the limitations of its plot through fruitless techniques galore.
There is something to be said about the non-linear structure of the film that almost puts you to sleep. The whole intention of the strategy was perhaps to get your interests up and soaring, but here is a typical instance when it backfires. When those scenes start making a haphazard reappearance you could either sit back and shut your eyes, or commence pulling out your hair strands one at a time.
Some films thrive on complexity, and 'Central Theatre' is apparently one. Where it does falter is when you realize that the basic plotline of the film is as simple and clear-cut as it gets, and could benefit immensely from a non-nonsense account that is peppered with just the right amount of thrills.
Which is why in reality every effort of the film maker to induce some heavy headed intricacy into this unfussy yarn, further contributes to its undoing. I certainly have no intention to talk about the suspense that drives the film forward not because of a spoiler alert, but simply because I'd rather not think about it anymore.
'Central Theatre' should consider itself extremely lucky if it lasts in the theatres for a week. Plagued by bungling film making, it wobbles this way and that like a half-set jelly that threatens to topple down any moment.
I have watched Hemanth Menon in several films by now, and should credit the young actor with having tried his best to shed off that boyish vulnerability that is so characteristic of his face. In 'Central Theatre' Hemanth looks grown up for once, and does given in everything that he has to ensure that his portrayal is effectual.
'Central Theatre' is a cinematic calamity that needs no further dissection. It's sad, but like several other unsuccessful film makers of the thriller genre, Kiran does not seem to comprehend here that less could in fact be more.
MOVIE REVIEWS