Diwanji Moola Grand Prix Malayalam Movie
Anil Radhakrishnan Menon's new film is apparently an extension of the director's penchant for Thrissur and its delicate slang. The premise of motorbike race is blended with the lives of a group of people, who reside in a street on the outskirts of the city. Trite it may be, but the presence of a bold female character in an under-developed locality gives the insinuation of a holistic change to both the place as well as the people.
Nyla Usha as Effymol rehashes the mien of such typical female characters, who even alters the demeanors of goondas. Thankfully, it's not glorified to justify the tag of her 'bold character'. The tantalizing influence of the characters of his old film refuses to leave the director and he even borrows characters from the 'nostalgic' films that showcased the culture of Thrissur. Kunchako Boban as Sajan Joseph IAS is an officer to emulate but it does not bring the necessary punch for the movie.
"Diwanjimoola Grand Prix" shifts to the top gear solely when the bike race takes off with the support of riveting visuals conceived by cinematographer Alex J. Pulickal. The humor in the guise of satire is mediocre while the filmmaker tries hard to embrace his typical pattern for presenting comedy.
As usual, the title of the film keeps sincerity to the identity of the filmmaker. The anticipation for excitement proves to be minimal and there is nothing much to flaunt in a story that concludes as a customary exercise. Scripted by the director and Prasanth Nair, the captivating formula is missing on a large scale. The film is surprisingly struggles to retain the slippery focus and it is never properly funny.
The whole package in the film seems to be out of the target as the director tries to uphold the nostalgia of a place and its culture. It's a shaky start and finish for the race on a favorable track.
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