Uncle Malayalam Movie

Feature Film | 2018 | U | Drama, Thriller
Critics:
Audience:
'Uncle' scores in style in building our hopes and anxiety about the outcome of a riveting road trip. As a film, the breakdown occurs when it embraces issues like moral policing and morbid curiosity of the public in women-related cases.
Apr 28, 2018 By K. R. Rejeesh

Where To Watch:
Streaming:
   MXPLAYER
DVD Release: Aug 03 2018

There is a feel of refreshment as the film begins with a riveting road trip from Ooty to Kozhikode. Interspersing the scenes, director Gireesh Damodar creates the milieu of anxiety and suspense by presenting the typical nature of the hero. The parents are anxious about their daughter, who is travelling with her dad's friend in a car. The apprehension of the parents is the keystone of the tale that keeps an evading nature from the outset. At one stage, you would ponder on where are all these heading to?


Actor-director Joy Mathew, who has penned the script, gives a mysterious shade to the protagonist Krishnakumar aka KK, enacted by Mammootty. From the remarks of other characters, we are introduced to this man, who has a natural instinct of flirting with women. Gireesh handsomely uses this negative side of KK to sustain the quasi-suspense milieu.


The pace of "Uncle" has the traits of a road thriller drama but it is hindered by unnecessary intrusion of trite social issues like moral policing. Joy Mathew as Vijayan is totally upset when he comes to know that his elder daughter Sruthi (Karthika Muraleedharan) is travelling with Krishnakumar in his car from Ooty due to strike. Known as a businessman, KK is known as a womanizer among his friends. As a close friend, suspicion intrudes into the mind of Vijayan about the intentions of Krishnakumar.


Though equally tensed, Lekshmi, portrayed by Muthumani, tries to pacify her husband. Meanwhile, Sruthi enjoys the trip as Krishnakumar takes circuitous route to reach Kozhikode. Still mystery prevails in the film about the plan of Krishnakumar. Engaging to an extent, the grip begins to loosen once it starts to discuss current social issues. The efforts of Gireesh to unravel the real face of society lack freshness and his interpretation falls to the mode of dramatic epilogue that nullifies the vital engaging parts.


Mammootty showcases his supremacy in such roles with disciplinary performance. His mien and demeanor raise the level of mystery about the character. Joy Mathew represents typical father, whose worrisome expressions about the safety of his daughter point to the real situations. Meanwhile, Karthika is energetic and gives a substantial performance. Alagappan's arresting visuals of scenic landscapes and serene woods provide the necessary charm to the film.


The core issue the film discusses has the relevance but it is appears to be trite as far as a film's plot is concerned. Joy Mathew fails to bring in novelty in the story that shares the outlook of society towards man-woman relationship. Albeit he succeeds in raising our expectations in the initial stage, he leaves vital areas to be filled up with sufficient explanations.


K. R. Rejeesh

   

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