My Santa Malayalam Movie
A pervading innocence overwhelmingly contributed by child actor Manasvi is the soul of Sugeeth-directed 'My Santa'. Manasvi plays Aisa Elizabeth Jacob in this fantasy-emotional drama, and despite the fantasy element, the school kid's dreams are hardly puerile as they show her innocence and virtue. Sugeeth takes us to the emotional and fantasy terrain of the girl's life, narrating her relationships with people around her. Once again, Sugeeth's penchant for haute visuals and quaint artworks come to the fore here. Cinematographer Faisal Ali has converted the beautiful landscape of Ootty to a mesmerising colourful land where 'My Santa' is set in.
As her parents and grandma were killed in an accident, Aisa Elizabeth Jacob is brought up by her grandfather (Saikumar) in the misty village near the town. Her neighbours Paul (Siddique), his wife Molikutty (Manju Paulose) and brother-in-law Manikuttan (Dharmajan Bolgatty) are also taking care of her. Aisa cherishes the dream of meeting Santa Claus so that she could ask him to take her to the place where her parents are. The girl lives in a fantasy world created from the tales and myths told by her grandfather.
Aisa even writes letters to God asking for her needs. She keeps a good relationship with school security guard Krishnan (Indrans), driver Shereef (Kalabhavan Shajohn) and Computer teacher Eby Mathew (Sunny Wayne). Aisa's intense affection towards her ailing classmate reveals the child's empathetic trait. Her wait ends during Christmas as Santa, played by Dileep, comes to meet her. The dilemma arises here is that one tends to think if the proceedings are part of the fantasy of the girl or what is the motive of Santa? This suspense is handled waywardly dropping all the aesthetic elements in the first half.
Written by Jemin Cyriac, the flaws in the plot are overcome by the visuals and colourful premise. Since the fantasy thread sustains throughout, consistent attention by adults is hard to come by until it enters the realms of reality. While shifting from fantasy to reality, the film nosedives into a cliched sentimental drama. Baby Manasvi steals the show with a stellar performance that holds the proceedings intact. Her mien and mannerisms ensure that the tale kindles the childlike feel in you.
It's a cakewalk for Dileep in the most decisive portions of 'My Santa' and the hasty justification about the background of Santa is seldom convincing. Moreover, the twist in the climax lacks originality with the influence of trite emotional fripperies that remind you of soap operas.
The art and VFX departments have acted effectively creating an immaculate visual treat of the fantasy world. But the lethargy in effectively fixing the prologue of the tale pulls down all the efforts. Taking off well and scattering the seeds of expectations at the right time, Sugeeth's film hobbles towards the climax sans generating the required effect. The mainstays-two kids-extend the lifeline for the film that lasts more than 155 minutes.
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