Freedom Malayalam Movie
Street fighters are on the rampage in Malayalam filmdom! Every second film released here deals with the subject of goons and hoodlums thriving in the bylanes of Kochi. Every one of them seeks to capture the "Satya" effect, but falls by the wayside as it fails to get the gritty realism in place.
The latest victim of the goon syndrome is veteran director Thampy Kannamthanam. His latest offering "Freedom" tells the story of small time crook Lalan (Jishnu).
Along with a dubious friend, Majeed (Nishant Sagar), Lalan thrives on political violence, petty crimes and protection money. The story begins with Lalan returning after six months in jail.
Meanwhile, Majeed has made it big in the field, crossing all limits of morality. There is an ambiguous undercurrent in their relationship after that or a tension between the moral and immoral. But there is no confrontation till the very end, which really foxes the viewer.
The story promises a lot at the start, but loses the fizz midway through. This is perhaps because the motives of the characters are not clearly defined. The parallels in the backgrounds of the friends make matters somewhat interesting but that does not seem to be enough.
The characterisation of Lalan is fuzzy to say the least. The director fails to explore Lalan's relationship with Majeed or standing in his family. It is the same with other characters, whether Majeed or Lalan's mother Karthayani played by K.P.A.C. Lalitha.
On the histrionic front, Jishnu makes a sincere effort. He has to blend his performance with that of a stylised action hero, adjusting his collar and breaking his knuckles before every fight scene and that of a vulnerable lost youngster aspiring to lead a life without gore. On the other hand, Nishant Sagar's portrayal of Majeed looks one dimensional and stereotypical. It seems that the young actor has fallen into an image trap.
The leading ladies, Nithya Das and Renuka Menon, are used for their ornamental value. In spite of this, Renuka succeeds in leaving her mark. Lalitha is her usual robust self. Mamookoya is subdued in the role of a Good Samaritan.
Technically, the film offers nothing new. The story unfolds at a languorous pace without the momentum this kind of a film requires.
The music by newcomers Renil and Jones is a mixed bag with some melodious tunes. In no way, however, do they help the narrative move forward.
Going by the record of the director, "Freedom" is surely disappointing with young Jishnu's performance the only redeeming feature.
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