Cinema is the director’s medium. He can make or mar a film. Even the most hackneyed theme becomes ‘presentable’ if the director knows how to direct. Director Lal Jose knows his job. Of that there is no dispute. He has proved his credentials with that class film ‘Achanuragatha Veedu’. What is praiseworthy about Lal Jose’s feat is that he has come good without the aid of superstars or other essential props that make a film click. To put it in cricket parlance, Jose ‘batted straight’ and came up trumps.
‘Classmates’ is not the first film on campus life. There have been many excellent flicks made on the theme of campus love and life. KG George’s ‘Ulkkadal’, Venu Nagavally’s ‘Sukhamo Devi’, Mohan’s ‘Shalini Ende Koottukaari’ – to mention a few. And who can forget that classic from the Padmarajan-Bharathan duo: ‘Chamaram’?
The cast dominated by young actors like Prithviraj, Indrajeet, Jayasurya, Narein, Kavya Madhavan and newcomer Radhika are highly impressive. Again the credit goes to the director. He knew what he wanted of them, and the youngsters did not let him down.