My Boss Malayalam Movie
Jeethu Joseph's 'My Boss' doesn't have any surprises in store for you. Despite the forced fun titbits that make up the film, it remains fundamentally formulaic when it comes to its construction and quite middling when it comes to the execution.
Manu (Dileep) is an engineering graduate, who has finally found a job after having wasted away eight years of his life, (no) thanks to an overbearing dad (Saikumar). He hopes to have an independent existence in Mumbai, where he joins a firm as a personal assistant to Priya (Mamta Mohandas). Manu finds his life torn to shreds by his thunderstorm of a boss, until she lands in visa trouble.
Needless to say, the plot seems a bit too inspired by 'The Proposal' (2009), where Sandra Bullock played the boss who had her assistant dangling by the neck.
The questions that arise in your mind are endless. Why is it that Priya who has spent her childhood in India behave like she is in alien land the moment she sets foot in Kerala? Why is it that she is oblivious of the culture of her own land? Why is it that she speaks decent Malayalam, and yet hasn't seen or heard of a velichapaadu? Why is it that an educated professional like her uses the term Nee to address her subordinate?
The list could go on, but the purpose would not be served. The point is, logic has gone out to fly a kite, while efforts are on to bring in some mirth in every possible way. Family relations are brought to the fore, and dissected in detail. Cultural disparities are analysed and observations made as well.
This film strangely reminded me of some Priyadarshan films of yore, which had remained tremendously enjoyable because of the amusing spats between the leading pair. There is a recycling of the formula here as well, and it goes on until they realize they are in love. Even the women carrying twig bundles on their heads and the hoards of white storks flying away are there in the film, coincidentally perhaps.
As much as there is nothing much to dwell on, when it comes to the story, it should be admitted that this film would perhaps have been in a totally different shape (a real bad one at that) without its lead heroine, Mamta Mohandas. She is the boss, literally of the film, and it's a helluva vivacious performance from the actor, who breathes fire into her character with a sprightly act. Her dubbing is equally effective and she is amply supported by Dileep whose comic timing remains impeccable.
All said and done, the film does have a couple of occasions that might have you in splits. Hence if you are merely on the lookout for a few harmless giggles over the weekend, 'My Boss' could be an option. In other words, as an undemanding time-passer, 'My Boss' might qualify. For the more discerning viewer however, the wait goes on.
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