Watching the final moments of Carbon reminded me of Christopher McCandless, that American youngster who left everything behind and embraced nature. Here the main character is going after a mythical treasure almost to the point of starvation and discomfort. I would expect that from director Venu who referenced Kafka in his 2014 film Munnariyippu, much superior than this fantasy drama. Fahadh Faasil plays Sibi, a cowardly fraudster who lives by using his persuasion skills, conning other people, and doing petty odd jobs. He has no regard for his family, and the only purpose in his life seems to be hitting the jackpot somehow. So when an opportunity comes that would take him nearer to that jackpot, he jumps ship. Venu has used his classic crescendoing technique to first describe Sibi and his way of life and then move to the main elements: magical realism and fantasy. So it is sure that the characters talk about Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist while flashing back on their life. But all that Venu crafts ends up as a lukewarm affair because you don't exactly know what he intended to convey. Even if you find it (or them) out, the deadpan style of narration that gives no hints at all makes for a tedious watch. Mamata Mohandas, Kochu Preman, Manikandan Achari are all playing life here, and while you ignore Faasil's overboard performance, you get a feeling that this will end in a twist that will make you go agape. Carbon does not drop the base ever. The exotic locales, realistic dialogue delivery, and the eerie music all add to the suspense that is omnipresent in the film, but somehow there is a feeling of lacking which makes Carbon an average afternoon watch. It's well-crafted, but it's not punchy. And I don't what could make it better. TN.
