Hey Jude Movie Review
This film and its protagonist have same traits-straightforward and honest. What strikes you next is the wrap of subtle humor that adorns director Shyamaprasad's film about a person afflicted with Asperger syndrome. Except these facts and the introduction of such a developmental disorder, "Hey Jude" faces the stumble block of not having the element of indispensable conflict that arrests viewers.
Nivin Pauly as 28-year-old Jude is a studious young man with immense probity but sans social skills. There are details about his condition and the difficulties faced by his parents, Dominic (Siddique) and Maria (Neena Kurup). Shyamaprasad keeps it simple while unfolding the changes that occur in Jude once the family is shifted to Goa.
The director neatly uses the resources he has been provided in the script albeit he fails to offer any moments that intrude into our aesthetic sense. The condition of Jude is conveyed more prominently than the depth of his struggles to blend himself with the 'normal life,' which is certainly a variable perception according to the film.
Written by Nirmal Sahadev and George Kanatt, the screenplay puts forward the notion about the necessary space to be given to people like Jude. But the plot demands more convincing space for the transformation of Jude. Trisha Krishnan as Crystal Ann Chakraparambu is portrayed as a major catalyst in Jude's transformation. Here, one would feel it hard to devour the incidents that vindicate it. In her debut in Malayalam, Trisha's performance is wobbling and the lip sync is totally incongruous. The robe of savior is not apt for her except her mien as an Anglo-Indian girl.
Nivin tries his best to portray Jude, though it's not a challenging character. In fact, due to the special condition of the character, it does not demand the necessity of exploring the emotional quotient of Jude. He is in another world which is 'abnormal' for others. Siddique has a meaty role in the movie and he casts off his usual demeanors to evoke humor. Vijay Menon as Dr. Sebastian is also notable in his role of Crystal's father.
It's a surprising fact that Shyamaprasad is hesitant to explore a little more to elevate the film from its promising premises, instead of satiating the filmmaker in him with just scattering the details of a mental condition. The conflict happens within the characters, but unfortunately it doesn't affect the movie.
