- Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
- Cast: Mohanlal, Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi
Movie Synopsis
Malaikottai Vaaliban: a young man’s life changes when he meets a famous dancer named Rangapatnam Rangarani. The film tells the story of how war hero Mohan Lal deals with consequences and challenges. Viewers also appreciate how the director beautifully portrays the influence of Japanese samurai culture in India.
Movie Review
This is the first time the director of Angamaly Diaries and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal have worked together, and people had high hopes before the movie came out. When you watch a Lijo Jose Pellissery film, you need to forget what you expect and be open-minded. The Malayalam director of famous for making unconventional movies, and Malaikottai Vaaliban is no different.
The plot of Malaikottai Vaaliban is inspired by Gulliver’s Travels. In this period fantasy film, Mohanlal plays Malaikottai Vaaliban, an aging fighter who travels from village to village, participating in fights and earning acclaim. During a stop in a village, he witnesses a folk dance by the beautiful Rangapattinam Rangarani (Sonalee Kulkarni). A potential romance sparks with Rangarani, leading to an argument with Chamathakan (Danish sait) over her. This disagreement prompts Chamathakan to challenge Malaikottai Vaaliban to a fight in his village Mangodu.
After winning the fight in Mangodu, Malaikottai Valliban continues his journey to the Ambathur fortress. However, Chamathakan, filled with rage and seeking revenge after the loss, follows him.
Also Read: Barbie Movie Review, Unboxing Fantasy With Too Much Pink
What unfolds during the rest of Malaikottai Vaaliban’s travels?
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s movie is intriguing. There is no clear storyline, and the director takes his time to unfold the intricate layers of the tale. The drama moves slowly, but the stunning visuals by cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan bring scenes to life. Some moments shine, particularly when 63-year-old Mohanlal showcases his impressive physical abilities and fitness levels during fight scenes.
Yet, some scenes are boring and lack excitement. The first half is more organized than the second, which might confuse the audience. The movie ends unevenly because of the fantasy script’s issues from the beginning. While it’s good that the director tried something new, one wishes the story had been better developed for a more engaging experience.
Mohanlal plays the main role in the film. The movie incorporates elements of Indian folk culture and evokes thoughts of Western and Japanese folk and samurai culture. The story is structured into chapters, and the director employs a similar editing style as seen in his previous film, Double Barrel. The background music is infused with rich cultural elements in its beats and use of instruments. Particularly, a song in the second half brings to mind the movie Sholay and the Jab Tak Hain Jaan song. Music director Prashant Pillai skillfully blends the old and the new in the music and songs, adding significant value to the film.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Official Trailer
Malaikottai Vaaliban Movie Review: Mohanlal Grabs Audience Attention
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Date Created: 2024-01-25 09:00
3.6
