harikrishnamadhu

This film looks promising for the first few minutes when two American teens are kidnapped for an obvious purpose, but after that it loses its way. As ever when undercover police and other agencies get involved in drug dealing and such, the plot can become confusing, and it does so here. Leaving all that aside, would a cartel or anyone consider running drugs into the US using a submarine when common or garden boats, planes and motor vehicles can be used just as effectively, especially if coupled with the strategic bribing of officials? Added to its implausibility is the bizarre ending. The best advice that can be given here is don't do drugs, and don't watch films about them, at least not films like this one.

Perhaps no recent film has had fans as excited as "Bheeshma Parvam", with celebrated director and arguably India's most technically proficient cinematographer Amal Neerad combining with Mammootty, 15 years after the era-defining "Big B" (2007). And the prodigious duo do not disappoint, delivering a sparkling gangster saga that captivates with its visual grammar, making optimal use of Mammootty's irrepressible swagger.

Writers Devadatt Shaji and Amal Neerad himself cleverly adapt elements from "The Godfather" (1972) and the Mahabharatha and customize it to the backdrop of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in the 80s and early 90s. Attention to detail is Amal Neerad's hallmark and we have come to take that for granted from the celebrated storyteller. Nevertheless, the Beatles-themed song sequences, callbacks to iconic yesteryear brands like Cuticura and Kodak as well as the depiction of the essence of Kochi like only an Amal Neerad camera can, still leaves you spellbound.