Garudan Malayalam Movie
'Garudan' successfully embraces the elements of a crime thriller, with its notable ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout. First-time director Arun Varma skillfully weaves a concise narrative imbued with a gripping treatment, establishing suspense right from the start. The story immediately unfolds with the mysterious attack and rape of a college girl, creating a mental battle between an investigative officer and a suspect. The screenplay, penned by Midhun Manuel Thomas based on Jinesh M's story, introduces a refreshing take on the genre. However, some may find that the threads of suspense unravel rather abruptly in the climax.
The entry of DCP Harish Madhav, portrayed by Suresh Gopi, intensifies the conflict as his team launches a thorough investigation into the crime against Theresa Philip (Chaithanya Prakash), who is now in a coma. Suresh Gopi's portrayal of a police officer on the big screen leaves a lasting impact on the film. As a protagonist, he skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil of the officer as well as the concerns of a father with a teenage child.
As the police implicate college professor Nishanth Kumar, played by Biju Menon, in connection with the case, Nishanth vehemently denies any involvement in the crime. The case leads to a legal battle between Harish and Nishanth, adding a layer of tension. The film also delves into the personal lives of these characters, including Harish's family and Nishanth's family, both of which are deeply affected by the case. The pain of Theresa's father, Philip (Thalaivasal Vijay), is prominently showcased, and the case disrupts the happy life of Nishanth and his family, including his wife Haritha (Divya Pillai) and their young daughter. Lawyer Thomas Iype (Siddique) plays a significant role in court, and the case's outcome after several years also has a profound impact on him. Jagadeesh brings depth to his character Salaam, who holds a crucial role in the story.
Biju Menon's character may be reserved in the movie, but the actor's performance is eloquent, especially in how he conveys emotions through his body language in response to the plot's developments. Director Arun's narrative style is disciplined and devoid of unnecessary embellishments. However, the abrupt turn of events in the climax, driven by a mechanical confession from the culprit, hints at a lack of originality and perfection in the script. This sudden confession is surprising, as the accused had previously shown determination in concealing his criminal background. Jakes Bejoy's background score adds depth to the film, complementing the visuals by Ajay David Kachappilly, which effectively establish the film's atmosphere.
'Garudan' excels in creating a gripping and engaging environment, with plenty of thrilling moments. Nonetheless, it occasionally falls into the familiar and conventional template often associated with psycho-killer narratives. The film's tension-packed thriller elements overshadow the somewhat delicate aspects of the story, which still manages to sustain the suspense effectively to a certain extent.
MOVIE REVIEWS