ABCD gives out a bad impression from its posters and trailer. But, it has more than meets the eye and I am transfixed with the base, the story and the plot.
Starting with the two lead brats, it goes on to tell you the tale of how they manage their lives in Kerala, India after being born and brought up in New York. What is surprising is that every thing they do is unpredictable. The viewers will predict something else and the next sequence will totally be different. That is the charm of ABCD in the first half. Second half takes a narrow political turn, but is funnier as well. Both halves wonderfully frame the current affairs in Kerala and how the people there need only an inkling to create brouhaha.
Performances are great. Jacob Gregory pulls it off very well and he is the funnier guy. Dulquer Salman acts over-cool, but he's okay. Lalu Alex is very sharp while the lead actress has equivocal stances. Music is catchy & apt but I have heard many of the tunes before. Score is inventive. Editing is fine, so is the direction.
The running time of 170 minutes makes us question the intentions of the makers, and with the climax so cold, it felt like it ended abruptly. I had expected a more unconventional turn of twists. But, overall, ABCD scores!
BOTTOM LINE: Fresh writing delivers chewable entertainment stuff.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Profanity: Strong | Nudity/Sex: No | Vulgarity: Mild | Violence: Strong | Gore: No | Smoking: Mild | Alcohol: Strong | Drugs: No
