I am glad I decided to watch it on the big screen. Obviously, it is a theatre-experience movie. And I am equally happy I haven't read the novel yet hence watched it without any prenotion of the development of the story. As expected Prithviraj showcased his acting brilliance and dedication. When complimented by the support cast and technical team, the overall movie turned out to be superb.
That being said, I must also divulge in my other impressions of the movie. In the first few scenes, I felt, over and over again, that 'Najeeb' was an idiot! Traveling to a gulf country for a mallu is an ordinary thing for decades. Landing in an Arab speaking airport and gibbering 'I forgot to take anyone's contact number' or going on to speak in Malayalam didn't seem sane to me.
Just wondering why the too contrasting, a bit too romantic picturization of his family life! If they had avoided/lessened all that drama, much more time could be given to desert life. Consequently, they had to fast-forward his life in the captivity. Or the director was clueless about the details. Planning an escape without taking drinking water, but bathing is must! Seriously? Was he going on a wedding reception? Of course, body is to be shown. To me it looked like, putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Prithvi and others have worked hard on each of these pieces, but in the totality, the story lacked smooth transition. Thus, despite being an expat myself it failed to evoke an emotional connection. If I had watched it on OTT, it would have been a boring episode.
It looked more like the transformation and dedication story of couple actors and technicians from Kerala film industry and kudos to them.
Now, let us get to the heart of the matter, if not for the months-long hype and publicity, wouldn't it be just another good movie by Blessy, by Prithviraj?
That being said, I must also divulge in my other impressions of the movie. In the first few scenes, I felt, over and over again, that 'Najeeb' was an idiot! Traveling to a gulf country for a mallu is an ordinary thing for decades. Landing in an Arab speaking airport and gibbering 'I forgot to take anyone's contact number' or going on to speak in Malayalam didn't seem sane to me.
Just wondering why the too contrasting, a bit too romantic picturization of his family life! If they had avoided/lessened all that drama, much more time could be given to desert life. Consequently, they had to fast-forward his life in the captivity. Or the director was clueless about the details. Planning an escape without taking drinking water, but bathing is must! Seriously? Was he going on a wedding reception? Of course, body is to be shown. To me it looked like, putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Prithvi and others have worked hard on each of these pieces, but in the totality, the story lacked smooth transition. Thus, despite being an expat myself it failed to evoke an emotional connection. If I had watched it on OTT, it would have been a boring episode.
It looked more like the transformation and dedication story of couple actors and technicians from Kerala film industry and kudos to them.
Now, let us get to the heart of the matter, if not for the months-long hype and publicity, wouldn't it be just another good movie by Blessy, by Prithviraj?