Theepori Benny Malayalam Movie
In this film, director duo Raajesh Joji (consisting of Raajesh Mohan and Joji Thomas) employ a formula that relies on the backdrop of a remote village to infuse humor into the narrative. They follow the well-worn path of a political rivalry between two parties, while also weaving in a conflict between a father and son. Notably, Raajesh Mohan served as an assistant director in 'Vellimoonga,' and Joji worked as its scriptwriter. The film's premise bears shades of their previous work, but it struggles to bring a fresh perspective that truly captivates the audience.
'Theeppori Benny' kicks off with a scene portraying Benny's struggle to secure a government job. Arjun Ashokan takes on the role of the titular character, and the premise is a familiar one. Benny is a typical rural youth with aspirations of passing PSC exams and finding stability in life. He harbors resentment towards his father, Vattakuttayil Chettayi (Jagadeesh), a selfless local leftist politician who generously aids others. Benny and his mother (Nisha Sarang) maintain a distant relationship with Chettayi, as he sells his land to support the weddings of underprivileged girls and gains little from his political involvement. Ponnila (Femina George), a fellow party member of Chettayi's, is a responsible individual who secretly admires Benny, although her feelings are not reciprocated.
Despite his initial disinterest in politics, an incident draws Benny into the leftist party, bringing happiness to his father. However, Benny has ulterior motives and exploits his affiliation with the party to undermine his rival, the influential political heavyweight Rajaseksharan (Srikanth Murali). The dynamic between a father and son with opposing political ideologies appears promising at first glance. Nevertheless, the plot's potential fails to fully ignite, and the film ultimately adheres to a cliched format with an anticlimactic resolution.
While the interactions between Benny and Chettayi serve as the film's guiding light, they lack the necessary depth and vigor. The screenplay meanders aimlessly after a certain point, struggling to find a clear direction. Additionally, the repetitive portrayal of Benny's drinking bouts with friends and conflicts with his father feels superficial and fails to provide a convincing rationale for Benny's sudden transformation in the story's final stages.
Arjun Ashokan convincingly embodies the role of a job-seeking young man with dubious intentions. However, Jagadeesh shines the brightest among the cast, delivering an authentic and intense performance that captures the character's helplessness and emotional turmoil. Chettayi, a prominent character in the film, is frequently seen protesting injustices on a street corner, embodying a candid and principled politician who faces marginalization within his own party.
Despite a concept that holds promise, the film falls short due to a poorly developed script and a lack of narrative impact. It fails to deliver the punch necessary to engage the audience effectively.
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