There aren't much jailbreak movies in Malayalam to reference to. So it might not be a surprise to say that Swathanthriyam Ardharathriyil is probably the best jailbreak movie Mollywood has produced till date.
Girish brilliantly captures the helplessness of the inmates, the dirty toilets and the rain that wets the yards during every stumble or conflict Jacob goes through. This, paired with Deepak Alexander's deep-drum back ground score, gives a gritty feel to the audience, who could easily understand the frustration and exasperation every character goes through.
Deepak's score also adds to the stylish element of the film, producing a slo-mo shot every five minutes. As much like slo-mo scenes are a trend in Mollywood and considering how much people hate it, Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil has done a work well with the amount of time provided.
The events that lead one thing to another and how the titular character, played by Antony Varghese is caught by the police are comical and almost satisfying. The scenes with the riots and how Jacob's lover is admitted to a Mental Hospital are very well etched out and executed.
The second half definitely fared better than the first, considering how lame the vfx scenes were and how poor the dialogues were delivered from one to another. The last 15-20 minutes of the first half is where the real thrilling element of the film kicks in. Needless to say, the film's climax and the subsequent revelations to the audience is a well done work indeed.
The acting was unprecedented. Antony, Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod, all performed majestically and in some where we are unable to decide whether they really do have a camera in front of them.
Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil borrows themes from almost every jailbreak movie and combines it into one big plethora of stylishness and grittiness. Just like any Jailbreak movie, the lead characters form a group, take out a plan and deliver a cunning twist to the audience. And in Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil , you really do feel the awesomeness.
