Thobama Malayalam Movie

Feature Film | 2018
Critics:
Audience:
Nothing significant to note as refreshing, 'Thobama' focuses more on the struggles of youth to realize their dreams. The grave nature of the content sans genuine humor and the dragging parts play spoilsport.
Apr 28, 2018 By K. R. Rejeesh


Debutant Mohsin Kassim-directed "Thobama" has a little humor, tad romance and more problems on its platter. It's yet another story of fortune-seeking youths in their preferred areas. Co-produced by director Alphonse Puthren and Sukumaran Thekkeppat, the premise of this flick is Aluva and nearby areas that evoke dejà vu of another romantic film. But Mohsin proves you wrong with realistic presentation of the problems of carefree youth, undermining the usual romance.



Set in 2006-07 period, this film follows three jobless youngsters-Thomas alias Thommy, Balu and Manaf Mohammed aka Mammu. While Thommy (Sharafudheen) is desperately wants to earn money to clear his loans, Mammu (Krishna Shankar) is an aspiring actor though he is not aware of his limitations. Meanwhile, Balu (Siju Wilson) is an MCom student with straight forward attitude. Money is the common factor that creates problems in their personal life.


These youngsters, who want to make it big in life, work for sand and lottery mafia to earn quick bucks but indulging with people like Vijay, essayed by Shabareesh Varma, in the gang invites trouble for them. The color tone of the movie is apt for the period when smartphones were absent.


Sharafudheen effuses well the emotionally upset character by absorbing the pain he carries in his life with his mother (Lakshmi). Sharaf excels in the serious garb of a youth with determination to undertake risky tasks to make money. Krishna Shankar is alone in charge of funny moments and he contributes notably in the proceedings.


The romantic affair of Balu with Nithya (Punya Elizabeth Bose) does not last long since the focus falls on the shrewd activities of the youth along with the gang. The script is co-written by T.V. Aswathy and Mohsin Kassim. Cinematographer Sunoj Velayudhan recreates the milieu with specific color tone, but this different look from the usual viewing experience may not go well initially for a viewer.


The realistic treatment adopted by Mohsin reveals the dark hues of struggling life and illegal acts done by a gang. Commendably, the director never resorts to the portrayal of violence, which would have sullied the spirit of the tale.


Going by the star cast, expectations about a funny entertainer are toppled by this grave nature of the content. Lack of genuine humor and the dragging parts definitely play spoilsport.

K. R. Rejeesh

   

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