Akasha Mittayi Malayalam Movie
Taking a dig at the present unhealthy education system and parenting, "Aakasha Mittai" tries to be a wakeup call for society. A remake of the Tamil film "Appa," this flick is not lost in translation, thanks to its relevant theme and succinct dialogues by K. Gireesh Kumar. The very first dialogue by Jayaram is an overtone that summarizes the purpose of the movie.
Director duo Samuthirakani and M. Padmakumar drive home a message by showcasing the anxiety of parents about their children. The ambitious and strict father, Peethambaran, portrayed by Kalabhavan Shajon is the highlight of the movie and his remarkable performance eclipses Jayaram's character Jayashankar.
Peethambaran dreams of making his son Vidya Vivek a doctor and he never allows him mingle with his friends. Vivek finds solace only in his mother Rekha (Sarayu). In contrast, his neighbour Jayashankar is very lenient to his son Akash (Akash Mohan) and teaches him human values. He gives him freedom to pursue his own career. But his wife Radhika (Iniya) wants him to study in a private school instead of a government school. In a plot that focuses on the commercialisation of education, the directors have given ample room for father-son relationship.
If "Appa" is a highly sentimental film, Samuthirakani deliberately brings down the conflict and soppy elements in his Malayalam debut. But certain scenes involving Aparana (Yuva Lakshmi) and Saira Banu (Nandana Varma) with regards to their introduction to the boys lack the much-needed conviction.
Jayaram appears as an indulgent father and his role is just to convey the message. The filmmakers use Shajon and Jayaram as two sides of a coin with contrasting principles. Shajon's presence leaves the film in active mode quite often whenever the movie digresses to a sluggish path.
The script by the directors does not bother about providing any solution to the issue but only presents the aftermath of a system. A heroic intervention is deftly avoided, so the intensity remains intact. Veteran cinematographer Azhagappan exploits the visual possibilities that lend the narration a powerful appeal. Reinforced by the visuals, the tale transcends the barrier of a tepid milieu.
Albeit didactic in nature, this poignant family drama discusses a significant issue. Its content is the king, and it effortlessly draws your attention.
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