Kamala Malayalam Movie
Produced, written and directed by Ranjith Sankar, 'Kamala' has the traits of a mystery thriller imbibed in the right proportion to an extent. While the main plot focuses on the mystery of a woman, it also tenuously hints at issues like encroachment, land mafia and problems of the tribal community. Even as two characters are shouldering the proceedings, the tale nullifies chances of dullness due to the fresh milieu 'Kamala' offers. It is visually rich enough to give absolute satisfaction.
Ranjith sets the premise beautifully by showing justice to the theme albeit you get the feeling that the grip onto the mystery needs to be tightened more altogether. The content is devoid of consistency in the latter part to cross the 'thriller mark' that entices you from the beginning. 'Kamala' forgets to keep the promises it effuses initially and though the degree of suspense is relatively less, it never leaves you in disgust.
Kamala, played by Ruhani Sharma, comes to meet real estate and vehicle broker Safar (Aju Varghese) after they became acquaintance on an online marketplace. Right from the outset, Kamala appears to be a mysterious girl for Safar, who spends a night with her in a resort owned by his friends, played by Biju Sopanam and Sajin Cherukayil. Interestingly, Safar's meeting with Kamala happens at a time when Ravi (Biju Sopanam) tries to buy a poromboke land inhabited by the tribal people to construct a resort.
Meanwhile, Safar finds mystery in the personality of Kamala, and he along with his friends start to unravel her real identity after her disappearance all of a sudden. They also doubt if she was sent by another businessman Pappachan (Sunil Sukhada). The casting of Aju and Ruhani is absolutely fabulous by Ranjth and the artist, who had dubbed for Ruhani, could bring a real freshness in the process. The director is trying too hard to bring more conviction while establishing the multi-faceted eponymous character in the final sequences. The flashback of Kamala's life lacks impressive factors and it's predictable as well beyond a point.
Kamala is mystery personified in appearance and demeanour. Debutant Ruhani's presence gives a special rhythm to the flow of the film. Since a new face, her expressions and strange mien heighten the suspense element of 'Kamala'. As an actor, Aju rises to the occasion by shelving his typical histrionics to give a fresh look of his performance.
Cinematographer Shehnad Jalal is an adept here as he lavishly captures splendid visuals of Nature by sustaining a mysterious feel in the frames of forest locales. Anand Madhusoodanan has composed music, and he has done it neatly. Ranjith's suspense drama is off to a promising start but ripples of mixed feel crop up as an inevitable factor as it moves ahead. The scenes involving 'Motta' Rajendran hardly give any desired impact as far as the film is concerned. The first half is well packaged enough to whip up your curiosity. Unfortunately, the writing falters to sustain its top-notch status towards the climax.
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