Ennu Swantham Punyalan Malayalam Movie Review

Ennu Swantham Punyalan Malayalam Movie Review

Feature Film | 2025 | U | Comedy, Drama | 2h 9min
Critics:

Ennu Swantham Punyalan: A Promising Premise Undermined by Weak Execution

Despite its intriguing setup and stunning visuals, 'Ennu Swantham Punyalan' falters with inconsistent performances and a lackluster narrative, leaving its potential unrealized.
Jan 14, 2025 By K. R. Rejeesh

The film opens with a vivid depiction of an ancient war, setting the stage for its connection to a fabled legend. Ennu Swantham Punyalan leans heavily on its spiritual foundation, weaving a narrative that hints at a dramatic twist. Set against the haunting backdrop of an ancient church, the story follows young priest Thomas Chacko (Balu Varghese) as he grapples with a personal crisis in his parish. Directed by Mahesh Madhu, the film's potential is evident but remains largely untapped due to uneven execution.


Penned by Samji Antony, the narrative traces Thomas Chacko's reluctant path to priesthood, driven by his parents' vow to dedicate their firstborn to God. His childhood under the stern mentorship of Fr. Nicholas (Renji Panicker) shapes his outlook, ultimately landing him at St. Patrick's Church in Chilanthiyar, Idukki-a punishment for his perceived inadequacies. Under the strict regime of Fr. Benjamin Valiyakandam, Thomas struggles to find his footing.


The story takes a dramatic turn on a stormy night when Shanu (Vineeth Viswam) and his lover Meera (Anaswara Rajan) seek shelter in Thomas' room. Moved by compassion, Thomas allows them to stay, but Shanu inexplicably disappears, leaving Thomas to deal with the complications of Meera's presence. The situation becomes fraught with tension, especially given the church's lack of modern security, such as CCTV cameras to guard its precious gold cross-a glaring plot inconsistency.


The arrival of Arjun Ashokan as a quirky, enigmatic thief shifts the story's focus. His intentions heighten the stakes, confining the drama to the parish room and creating an atmosphere of suspense. While the twist is well-conceived, it lacks the impact to leave a lasting impression. Ashokan's portrayal adds an element of curiosity, but the film's inability to deliver a gripping climax dampens its overall appeal.


Balu Varghese struggles to capture the nuances of Thomas' inner turmoil, often resorting to a monotonous expression that undermines the character's depth. Anaswara Rajan injects energy into her role as Meera, particularly in the latter half, but her character's emotional potential remains underexplored. Arjun Ashokan shines as the eccentric thief, infusing charm and intrigue into his performance. Supporting characters like sexton Jose (Althaf Salim) and Fr. Nicholas provide occasional humor, though their comedic attempts often feel forced.


Renadive's cinematography is the film's standout feature, beautifully showcasing the picturesque hilltop locales and the Gothic grandeur of the church interiors. These visuals lend a rich atmospheric texture to an otherwise uneven narrative.


Despite its promising premise and atmospheric setting, Ennu Swantham Punyalan stumbles with inconsistent storytelling and underwhelming performances. While it teases moments of brilliance, the film ultimately fails to deliver as a compelling comedy thriller.

K. R. Rejeesh

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