This is a movie with powerhouse performance from mohanlal and the entire cast.
The kid who plays his son has done a really good job. He seems to be groomed for the show business, and im sure that we will be seeing more of him. Mohanlals father is played by the versatile Nedumudi Venu and his friend is Jagathy Sreekumar. The other cast includes Innocent as a Mallu who has been in the military. But im telling you his hindi is atrocious. But seeing him on screen is always a source of joy especially as this movie deals with a sorrowful theme. There is also a special appearance by Pratha Pothan as the doctor.
The direction by Blessy is really Topclass with proper empghasis on the topic at hand and very little straying away from it.Meaning no unnecessary song sequences and love triangles and melodrama.
Mohanlal plays the role of a government employee and a doting father and family man. His father wanted him to get into civil services but he was not successful in that. In turn he starts coaching his son to clear the IAS. His methods of teaching revolve around modern and scientific learning and he also gives importance to the role of parents and how they mould their children future. Its just not about goading them to learn but how to go about it is also very important.
He is also a Union Leader and unlike the stereotype union leader, Mohanlal plays a straight forward leader who stands for the righteous. Mohanlal is popular everywhere for his general knowledge and also his commitment towards his family and his focus on being an ideal parent.
Then comes the twist on the movie. Mohanlal is stricken by the dreaded alzheimers disease. For the uninitiated this disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucination. You have your memories wiped out from the latest and progressing gradually to your childhood memories. So you end up living in backwards as that’s whats all is there in your mind.
Mohanlals portrayal as the alzheimers victim is really mindblowing. He has already got a state award for his acting and im sure that more will come his way. Im actually tempted to say things comparing with other greats but don’t want to hurt anyone elses sentiments out here.
The way his mind wanders and how he gets confused over where he is and his fear of losing his memories and people with no control over his actions is really touching. If you are looking for a weekend time pass then give this movie a miss as this requires a very serious outlook at the practicality of life. Some times when the main pillar of strength starts crumbling around you, you have to find the inner strength to rally around and support him/her in their hour of need and work towards fulfilling their dream whether they realize it or not.
Kudos to the director here coz instead of making this a movie a source of income for the tissue manufacturers he has handled this in such a way that you don’t feel sad at the end of the movie (im not revealing anything here). Other directors would capitalize on mohanlals character but Blessy has also looked into the trauma of the family and how its not only the treatment which is important but also the support the family has to give the patient and also the strength they have to give themselves as the patient goes from one personality to another as the disease progresses through you ripping and shredding away your beloved thoughts and memories.
Everyone has given it their best and this is one movie you would not like to miss out on. The way mohanlal goes from a loving father, to a confused person, to a helpless human being is beyond words. His versatility and skills again brings to light that not every time is glamour and a good physique the formula for success in movies. When it comes to character roles you either have it or you don’t…And boyyyyy does this guy have it in him. Do give this movie a go.
Signing off and praying that no one who reads this or otherwise has to face such situation in life.
cheers