Mangomury Malayalam Movie
At first glance, the narrative in 'Mangomury' appears somewhat convoluted and excessively formal. Director Vishnu Ravi Shakkti aims to communicate a pertinent message using an unconventional cinematic language, but amidst this, the film's purpose becomes perplexing. Jaffer Idukki takes on the role of Prabhakaran, the protagonist with peculiar mannerisms and idiosyncrasies. The director delves into the bold attitudes of the new generation regarding sex and marriage through Prabhakaran's perspective, who constantly observes young people at the lodge next to his house. The protagonist's voyeuristic tendencies shed light on the unhealthy habit of intruding into others' privacy.
Despite discussing the theme of people spying on the intimacy between a boy and a girl, the film rarely becomes didactic. However, the stumbling block lies in the unconventional portrayal of events, presented as a collage of shots that may test the audience's patience. The lodge, named Soyo, serves as a sanctuary for youngsters, and the film suggests it as a place for romantic encounters. The climax deserves praise for attempting to differentiate between genuine love and lust using a mango as a metaphor.
Prabhakaran, a retired government employee, spends his time monitoring couples at the lodge, capturing their movements on his cellphone, and informing parents about their children's activities. Eccentric in demeanor, Prabhakaran frequently converses with his wife Ambili (Lali Anarkali) and expresses annoyance at the unrestrained relationships among teenagers. When police officer Mukesh (Siby Thomas) learns about his daughter's dating from Prabhakaran, he initially gets angry but later becomes devastated and contemplates harming his daughter. Recognizing this, Prabhakaran tries to prevent any rash actions driven by frustration.
Despite the disorder in its treatment, 'Mangomury,' co-written by Thomas Simson and Vishnu Ravi Shakkti, emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the fundamental right to privacy. Jaffer Idukki delivers a superb performance, navigating the complexities of his quirky character with impressive body language. However, the film occasionally shows shades of sarcasm, inconsistent due to the lack of a cohesive script. The thin plot struggles to muster vitality, relying heavily on figurative visuals.
'Mangomury' falls short in connecting with viewers due to its peculiar treatment. The storyline lacks promise, and the director's efforts seem focused on disjointed shots rather than a coherent narrative. Metaphoric shots hinder appreciation of the film's merits, conveying its message figuratively and burdened by excessive tropes.
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