Identity

I'm starting to question the trustworthiness of IMDb ratings. I decided to watch the movie based on its high rating, and it turned out to be a letdown. The first half had some suspense, the story drifted off course and became utterly boring in the second half. From fake accents to cringe-worthy slow-motion scenes, it felt almost laughable. Random characters popped up without purpose, and the plane scenes were completely unnecessary. At nearly three hours long, the movie was a tedious slog. The story writing and editing were poor, and while the cinematography was decent, it couldn't save the experience. Don't be fooled by the IMDb rating, pretty sure these are bots.

I watched this movie after being impressed by the trailer but the movie didn't meet the expectations . I hoped for an edge of that seat thriller but the movie was lagging for most parts . Only thing which I liked in the movie was Tovinos acting . He did one of his best performances and that might have saved this movie from being a flop . The Movie was cinematographed kind of Hollywood level but should have been a bit more bright . Bgm and other things were good. Expected more dialogues from Trisha but the script demanded less dialogues. To Summarise, only the last half an hour of the movie was worth the ticket and rest of the movie lagged for most parts.

In many ways, Identity is technically superior to Forensic and boasts some interesting characters (like that of Tovino's and Trisha's). But the "hack" writing that somewhat derailed Akhil Paul & Anas Khan's previous venture is a major drawback here too. This is a film with several twists and turns, though none of them pack a serious punch. It's almost as if the writers knew this beforehand, so they've tried their best to salvage it in the making. As such, we're treated to some slick action blocks, both on land and in the air. Most of the exposition has a Wikipedia-reading feel to it, packed with a little too much info. Sure, it helps provide additional context, but do we really need SO MANY characters and subplots to get to the rather obvious conclusion?

The technical aspects are commendable - Yannick Ben and Phoenix Prabhu effectively crack the stunts, DoP Akhil George captures the leads and proceedings stunningly, and Jakes Bejoy delivers a killer score (though a bit reminiscent of Forensic). Visual effects are also largely decent (with the exception Aju Varghese's moustache). The screenplay could've gone in interesting directions, especially with respect to Trisha's character. But when the focus shifts to Tovino's Haran Shankar (sketch-artist-turned-whatever), the film starts faltering big time. I think the writer-director duo needs to ensure that their next screenplay is fat-free, unnecessary-characters-free, and most importantly, uses non-linearity only if it amps up the (actual) thrill quotient.

Identity, starring Tovino Thomas, is a technically impressive film that offers an engaging start. The movie hooks you right from the beginning with its gripping narrative and outstanding technical aspects, especially the music by Jakes Bejoy, which elevates the intensity of the scenes.

The first half is a treat-tight, thrilling, and supported by a strong cast. Tovino shines throughout, with his action sequences and the car chase standing out as highlights of the film. The layers in the story are commendable as the movie attempts to address several important issues, showcasing depth and ambition.

However, as the movie progresses, the pace takes a hit. The second half feels overstuffed with complex narratives and too many viewpoints, leaving viewers feeling exhausted and occasionally lost. While the intention to create a multilayered story is clear, the excessive writing and overwhelming content dilute the impact. The complexity becomes the film's biggest drawback, making it harder for the audience to stay connected.

Despite its flaws, Identity deserves appreciation for its ambition, technical brilliance, and Tovino's compelling performance. If the storytelling in the latter half had been more streamlined, it could have been an exceptional thriller.

Verdict: A bold and technically excellent movie that falters under the weight of its overambitious narrative. Worth watching for the first half and Tovino's stellar action scenes.

IDENTITY brings a unconventional narrative though the plot is rather slender. The screenplay skillfully keeps the suspense alive but fails to maintain engagement for most of its runtime. While some moments do lag with the slow pace narration, some are crafted with sheer brilliance and pulse-pounding excitement. Few plot twists add intrigue and keep the audience guessing but others feel forced and perplexing.

Trisha is an undeniable powerhouse of talent and beauty but her character isn't explored to its full depth, her performance is nuanced, authentic, and compelling. However, her styling and makeup could have been more refined.

Tovino, in the lead role, delivers a pitch-perfect performance, embodying his character with charisma and conviction. Supporting actors like Vinay Rai and Shammi are equally commendable, each bringing distinct energy to their roles, making the ensemble cast stand out.

The cinematography experiments with inventive shot compositions and lighting, yielding a visually dynamic experience in parts. While not consistently striking, the overall visual tone is effective.

The action sequences are choreographed with precision, exuding style and intensity.

The background score deserves applause for setting the right tone, seamlessly elevating the narrative.

Production design complements the story well, adding authenticity to the world-building.

Directors Anas Khan and Akhil Paul deliver a polished film that often feels like a Hollywood venture, thanks to its slick execution and ambitious vision.