Shikkari Shambhu Malayalam Movie
Sugeeth's new film "Shikkari Shambhu" takes a leaf out of a couple of his earlier flicks. In those flicks, Sugeeth follows the pattern of unfolding the proceedings in a comic milieu set in scenic landscapes. Then there comes the whodunit question. Scenarist Nishad Koya sets the stage to complement the concept of the director, and so you have a village near a forest where a tiger is on the prowl.
The task is clear-Philippose aka Peeli, played by Kunchako Boban, has to catch the tiger. Since it's the hunting of a tiger, how can the writer omit hunter Varunni (Mammootty's notable character in "Mrigaya")? The story of Peeli and his friends-Shaji (Hareesh Perumana) and Achu (Vishnu Unnikrishnan)-living as fake hunters is puerile and Koya's answer to it is farfetched. Keeping the suspense behind the deaths in the village, Sugeeth expends the time to showcase the relation between the lead pairs.
Sshivada as Anitha offers a neat presentation of the character, a butcher. She adds essential maturity to the role and portrays it in a subtle manner. The personality of the character is such that she exudes determination and never visibly succumbs to romantic overtures. Kunchako Boban serves the role in his typical demeanour with a tinge of comic element. As a hunter, his task ends midway, but Peeli scouts for unravelling the truth.
The scenes that show the survival of the three friends, who pose as hunters, in the village fail to generate genuine humour. Apparently, it's due to want of fresh thoughts. The director is confined to a fixed notion in presenting his film in a bid to offer a surprise.
The loosely written script offers a bumpy ride revealing the logic question regarding the fake hunters from the outset. What the film mainly lacks is the powerfully composed storytelling and necessary conviction to present a different climax.
Faisal Ali garners the praise for his stupendous visuals befitting to a forest tale. Sreejith Edavana excels in composing the songs.