Dheeran - This hero's movie is all about its crew.
"Dheeran (2025)" isn't a film about a single hero, but rather a journey of collective folly and redemption, told with a distinctly rustic charm. Director Devadath Shaji has crafted a cinematic equivalent of a bumpy road trip through the Malayattoor countryside, where every character is a delightful, slightly-off-kilter signpost on the way to a destination that nobody fully understands.
The film's true strength lies not in its plot, which is as winding as the roads its characters travel, but in its ensemble. This isn't a star vehicle, but a finely-tuned engine of veteran actors and fresh faces, each contributing a unique, humorous rattle to the vehicle. Rajesh Madhavan as Eldhose, the titular "Dheeran," is less a central figure and more of a ghost in the machine, his legend shaping the journey of others while he remains an enigma. It's an interesting subversion of the hero archetype.
The real show is stolen by the motley crew tasked with his bizarre retrieval. Jagadish, Manoj K. Jayan, and Sudheesh, in particular, deliver performances that feel less like acting and more like a comfortable, long-standing conversation between old friends. Their comedic timing is a gentle ebb and flow, not a series of punchlines, making the humor feel organic to the setting. The film understands the quiet, often absurd, humor of village life-the gossip that becomes fact, the grudges that fuel a journey, and the misplaced priorities that make a simple task a sprawling adventure.
Where "Dheeran" truly sets itself apart is in its quiet moments. The film normalizes what other narratives might condemn, offering a refreshingly non-judgmental look at modern relationships within a traditional setting. This subtle social commentary, woven into the fabric of a lighthearted road comedy, is a testament to the director's nuanced vision.
While the film may meander at times, and some of its setups are a little too visible, "Dheeran" remains a charming and deeply watchable experience. It's a film that asks you to sit back and enjoy the ride, even with its occasional bumps and detours. It's not about the destination, but the wonderful, chaotic people you meet along the way.
The film's true strength lies not in its plot, which is as winding as the roads its characters travel, but in its ensemble. This isn't a star vehicle, but a finely-tuned engine of veteran actors and fresh faces, each contributing a unique, humorous rattle to the vehicle. Rajesh Madhavan as Eldhose, the titular "Dheeran," is less a central figure and more of a ghost in the machine, his legend shaping the journey of others while he remains an enigma. It's an interesting subversion of the hero archetype.
The real show is stolen by the motley crew tasked with his bizarre retrieval. Jagadish, Manoj K. Jayan, and Sudheesh, in particular, deliver performances that feel less like acting and more like a comfortable, long-standing conversation between old friends. Their comedic timing is a gentle ebb and flow, not a series of punchlines, making the humor feel organic to the setting. The film understands the quiet, often absurd, humor of village life-the gossip that becomes fact, the grudges that fuel a journey, and the misplaced priorities that make a simple task a sprawling adventure.
Where "Dheeran" truly sets itself apart is in its quiet moments. The film normalizes what other narratives might condemn, offering a refreshingly non-judgmental look at modern relationships within a traditional setting. This subtle social commentary, woven into the fabric of a lighthearted road comedy, is a testament to the director's nuanced vision.
While the film may meander at times, and some of its setups are a little too visible, "Dheeran" remains a charming and deeply watchable experience. It's a film that asks you to sit back and enjoy the ride, even with its occasional bumps and detours. It's not about the destination, but the wonderful, chaotic people you meet along the way.
- subashpublic
- 23 ago 2025