Thottappan Malayalam Movie
Sometimes it's difficult to define certain relationships that transcend beyond words. The visuals in 'Thottappan' elegantly converse the depth of the bond between a girl and her godfather (one who baptized her) in a tale that has an island near Kochi as its premise. An uneventful plot in nature, it gets an impressive fillip by specific colour tone and riveting milieu through a less dramatic treatment. Shanavas K. Bavakutty, who returns after his maiden directorial hit 'Kismat', depicts the wild and humane demeanour of a thief, who devotes his life for the daughter of his bosom friend.
Ithaak and Jonappan, played by Vinayakan and Dileesh Pothen respectively, keep an intense relationship, and it even makes Jonappan to decide her daughter Sara to be baptized by Ithaak. On the eve of baptism, Jonappan goes missing. From then on, Ithaak becomes Sara's (Priyamvada Krishnan) godfather in all sense. Ithaak's sympathetic nature is unveiled through his interaction with a few older characters. With a restraint and subtle portrayal, Vinayakan is brilliant in his appearance as his dedication pays off well.
Ithaak carries the 'blaze' of his relationship with Jonappan alive by transforming it to Sara. He acts as a responsible father figure and Sara reciprocates his affection towards her. Sara is so bold and rough due to her life's circumstances. She is not afraid of locking horns with those who try to intimidate her. But she never crosses the line sans the permission of her godfather. After the disappearance of her father, Sara's mother never utters a word to anybody and confines to her own feelings. Sara also faces the challenge of safeguarding herself from eve-teasers and quarrelsome neighbours.
A stranger in that island, Ismu (Roshan Mathew) becomes close to Sara with the knowledge of Ithaak. As Ithaak starts preparing for their marriage, he realizes some truths. Penned by Francis Noronha, the flavour of the characters in his story is aptly adapted by P.S. Rafeeque to the screenplay. Characters like the blind shopkeeper, Adhruman (Reghunath Paleri), and his young wife save the action at a stage when 'Thottappan' moves at a sluggish pace.
The bond of a girl and her godfather is so sacred that it brims all over despite 'Thottappan' offers an uneventful tale. Nevertheless, it shines with the apt support of charming cinematography by Suresh Rajan and a riveting premise along with powerful performances.
Newbie Priyamvada, a perfect casting in the rustic ambiance, creates surprising impact as a bold and quarrelsome girl. Albeit desperate, Sara bears the pain of waiting for her father, whom she has solely known from the words of Ithaak. Her frequent plunges into the depths of the lake signify the magnitude of her dismay and anguish.
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