Level Cross Malayalam Movie
Right from the off, the parched and deserted landscape sets the perfect tone of this psychological drama with shades of a thriller. It is a slow burner, but the absorbing moments in the latter half handsomely elevate 'Level Cross' to the pinnacle of conflict, prompting us for the psycho-analysis of characters. Through extended climax sequences, debutant writer-director Arfaz Ayub succeeds in equally permeating the baffling feel among characters as well as viewers. In fact, the names of three major characters lead to a beautiful conflict amidst the film's grimy landscape. Veteran actor-director Adam Ayub, who is the father of Arfaz Ayub, has penned the succinct dialogues that play a vital role in peeling off the mysterious layers in the mental state of characters.
Conflict is the essence of this psychological drama in which Asif Ali plays Raghu, a railway gateman in a nameless place. The unkempt appearance of the actor clad in rugged attire in a deserted place is enough to kindle our interest. One day, Raghu finds Chaithali, essayed by Amala Paul, lying unconscious beside the railway track. He takes her to his ramshackle shelter and looks after her. Meanwhile, Chaithali realizes that vehicles seldom pass through the railway gate as she yearns to reunite with her husband Zincho (Sharafudheen), who had accompanied her on the train before the mishap.
The barely two-hour film is rife with appealing visuals by Appu Prabhakar and the novel premise lends an aesthetic touch to 'Level Cross' for sure. The interaction sequences between Raghu and Chaithali gradually unravel the flashback of their life. Thereafter, the film's real conflict emerges with Zincho also becoming part of it. Though most of the action is set in a single location, the shenanigans of characters compensate for the shortcomings. With his neat transformation, it is a spirited performance by Asif Ali as a protagonist in the decisive phases of the tale. His performance is a tad inconsistent initially still he has intensely observed the gradual changes in the character to give an impact.
Despite being in a regular role, Amala Paul could imbibe the severe mental dilemma of Chaithali effectively. Chaithali's arrival is like a fresh hope and comfort for Raghu in that deserted place. The interaction between Raghu and Chaithali sets the stage for an intense relationship before the advent of the real conflict. Interestingly, the culmination of all flashbacks takes the movie to the brink of a perplexing situation and the true colour of lies is revealed. As a first-time director, Arfaz Ayub is hardly vulnerable to usual cinematic fripperies and his attempt to shy away from a familiar format is evident at the outset.
Here, the tale is uneventful and what makes it distinct is the way the director explores the intensity of mysterious minds. A psychoanalytical study of characters is the crux of 'Level Cross,' which is presented by director Jeethu Joseph. It is an attempt to walk through a different path paved with surprising elements when characters are involved in a sort of mind game in the climax. Its slow-paced narration and limitations in the tale are overshadowed by a charming conflict.
