For everyone who pooh-poohed his scornful outings over the last couple of years while projecting the star in him instead of manifesting the brilliant actor in him, here is Mammootty's strong answer to all his naysayers who wrote him off, vociferating that class is permanent with a shockingly brilliant, gutsy crusade from the ace cinematographer Venu and the excellent writer Unni R, who together produces a gem of an astutely connotative screenplay laced with prodigious, profound and philosophical reflections on freedom, exploitation, opportunism, mercilessness of the world run by the ruthlessly pragmatic corporates and also poses a warning that writing isn't something which comes instantaneously, all through the optics of a ghost writer and an intriguing man who spend 20 long years in a clink. For serious movie lovers who can enjoy such offbeat, cerebral narratives, have no second thoughts and reach out to your nearest screen playing Munnariyippu, which surely will turn out to be a thought provoking and haunting experience with remarkable performances all round. CK Raghavan definitely, is the Mammootty, we, the connoisseurs of cinema were dying to watch after Pranchiyettan, which was half a decade back.
Those who are not interested in any kind of spoilers, please stay away from reading any further. The mind game sets in from where Anjali Arackal (Aparna Gopinath), a ghost writer who is allotted to compose an autobiography for a jail superintendent, encounters an intriguing prisoner CK Raghavan (Mammootty) who sticks around in jail enjoying his solitude even after his stipulated tenure of the judgment of conviction for a double homicide. Interested in Raghavan's literary rantings written inside the jail, Anjali decides to do an exclusive story based on the literary works of Raghavan which becomes a runaway success, prompting a leading publishing company to offer her an opportunity to take credit for a book actually written by Raghavan based on his personal experiences. As Raghavan becomes a celebrity among the reading society, he is driven to exit the jail to the external universe, where he is practically locked up by Anjali at a confined space, in a regulated manner for him to write peacefully, so that she can take his accounts to a leading publishing giant within the strict deadline of one month. Days pass by, Raghavan can't write even a single word, and as this goes on, she is at the verging peril of facing legal suits from the publishing company for not meeting the deadline passed to her. Will Raghavan be able to complete writing, which will unveil what he was, or not forms the crux.
The main contemplation that Munnariyippu tries to delineate through Raghavan to the audience is that, the interpretation of freedom or exemption is absolutely subjective in accordance to the individual in question. It also presents a strong disapproval at the ruthless pragmatism of the new age through Anjali, which puts pressure, even when it comes to the field of creative cosmos, where thoughtfulness might not develop instantaneously within the given peak of time. The hotshot cinematographer Venu, who made a notable directorial debut with 'Daya' with the likes of MT Vasudevan Nair and Manju Warrier, proves his genius again and showcases his pioneering experience in the field, after returning to take the helm after 16 years of sabbatical. The way he portrays the idiosyncrasies of Raghavan, the selfishness of Anjali, the build-up to the shocking culmination are sheer strokes of brilliance. Unni R, who is popularly known as a brilliant short story writer has written his best work till date for celluloid, winning over us completely with such staggering character sketches which keeps you hooked on the screen to watch out for what's in store for the protagonists at its denouement. On its technical side, Venu himself has handled its cinematography and shows his class in that department once again without going above the narrative. Beena Paul's editing was pitch-perfect in creating the right mood and pace which its narrative demanded. Bijipal at re- recording does an excellent job in providing the air of mystery throughout its running time so effectively.
Talking of the performances, Mammootty truly underplays his emotions so effectively in a multi-dimensional manner like many of his brilliant portrayals in the past, by skinning his teeth into Raghavan, a character study which is altogether safe in his workforce. Aparna Gopinath, does a surprisingly great job as Anjali, bringing out all the anguishes, desperation and selfishness of the character with conviction. Among the supporting cast Renji Panickar, Joy Mathew etc delivers honest performances. Prithviraj in a juicy cameo reminded his own Kunjukunju in 'Swapnakoodu' with fine refinements.
All in all, Munnariyippu, is easily a profound masterpiece in my books, which turns out to be a hauntingly shocking delight for the lovers of cinema, and its true worth will only be valued by more people only after the passing of its home video, when it surely will be attaining a cult status, which it deserved, just like Utharam, Sadayam, Mumbai Police all which had a terrific culmination which weren't taken at first by the common audience. Must watch!
Verdict - Sheer f**king brilliance! Courtesy :Robert Langdon
