And The Oscar Goes To Malayalam Movie
Albeit discussing a familiar content at a glance, filmmaker Salim Ahmed offers a refreshing journey through filmdom this time. The director never falls victim to emotions but treats them subtly, leaving the effect to reborn in the minds of the audience. In a genuine screenplay, written by him, the protagonist undergoes all kinds of trials and tribulations to find a foothold in the tinsel world. Here too, Salim upholds the noble qualities of virtue and compassion, which are the hallmarks of his films.
All the characters in 'And the Oscar Goes to...' exudes vibes of optimism. Even when Issak Ebrahem, played by Tovino Thomas, decides to sell his inherited property for making a movie, his father Ebrahem (Vijayaraghavan) quietly says one brief sentence sans any complaint. In a scene where an assistant director shares his longing for becoming a director, his desperation never gives way to take an extreme step in life. Instead, he says he keeps the photographs of his little daughter to make him live life afresh.
'And the Oscar Goes to...' showcases the tale of an aspiring filmmaker and his struggles while taking his maiden movie on the global arena. Salim keeps everything simple and succinct, yet he manages to come out with a delightful and virtuous movie.
When Issak decides to produce and direct a film after being rejected by others, he adopts the life story of Moidu (Salim Kumar) and his son of his hillside village in Kannur. In turn, Moidu seldom gives vent to his displeasure in doing so. He encourages Issak after the film gets nominated as India's official entry in the Best Foreign Film category of Oscar. In Issak's struggle to complete his first directorial, he is offered help by his friend Chithra (Anu Sithara), who works in a media. Actor Aravind (Sreenivasan) and cinematographer Sivakumar (Lal) also stand beside him to fulfill his dream.
Issak faces the real challenge in the US where he takes his film for Oscar Awards competition. A PRO firm's official, Maria (Nikki Rae Hallow), agrees to promote the movie, and as a viewer, you are now taken to the intricacies involved in such a big stage. Siddique plays US resident Prince, who comes forward to help Issak there.
Tovino has remarkably immersed into the character with perfect screen presence throughout as a desperate filmmaker. His mien brilliantly conveys the innocence and virtue of Issak even in the face of crisis. Issak is straightforward in nature. His self-esteem never allows him to accept fund from NRI Malayalees even as he is sure that they would extend their help. He echoes the determination of the character to attain his goal despite new hurdles crop up in his path to success. 'And the Oscar Goes to...' has a unique calmness and riveting flow in the narration only to sustain the impact of the content till the end.
Enthralling visuals and frames by cinematographer Madhu Ambat highlight the mettle of the veteran once again. It is adequately aided by the prudent cuts by Vijai Shankar. What makes this simple flick refreshing is that it neatly conveys its intention sans beating around the bush.
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