William Shakespeare’s works and characters have time and again inspired some of the most popular works across the world. In India, we saw Gulzar, Vishal Bhardwaj’s tribute to the legend through popular adaptations. Even Malayalam cinema has experimented with Shakespeare in the form of Kaliyatam(1997) & Veeram(2016), with the former bagging maximum national awards in the year it was released.
Joji though inspired by Macbeth is brilliantly re-created in contemporary times, along with the subtle presence of COVID as well to maintain recent authenticity. The plot begins in an extensive rubber estate at Kottayam owned by Panachel Kuttappan(V.P. Sunny). Kuttappan has three sons Jomon(Baburaj), Jaison(J Mundakayam), and Joji(Fahadh Faasil), and lives an autocratic lifestyle giving hardly any respect or space to his sons. Jaison’s wife Bincy(Unnimaya Prasad) also has very little say in the family matters. Joji the youngest son, considered a loser among family members is a daydreamer who spends most of his time either sleeping or making random plans.
On a fateful day, Kuttappan falls ill and gets bedridden. Besides arranging for the best possible medical treatment, the siblings also start working along with areas previously unexplored(owing to their father’s dominance) which they believe could bring back peace to their minds. The twist & turns hereon from the rest of the story.
The narrative tries to focus on the perspective of 2-3 principal characters of the film, with a little more emphasis on Joji’s viewpoint. The role of religion in one’s life esp. during testing times is also incorporated effectively.
Cinematography by Shyju Khalid is the backbone of the film because it essentially captures the mood of the characters and keeps them engaged. The use of drone shots of the rubber plantations & water streams is a visual treat. Background music by Justin Varghese, esp. the extensive use of ‘piano’ is both haunting & daunting! Editing by Kiran Das is sharp. Writer Syam Pushkaran & Director Dileesh Pothan do their best to fitting Shakespearean symbolism into today’s context. Performance-wise, Sunny is quite intimidating as head of the family. Jomon is quite impressive in his act while J Mundakayam and Unnimaya underplay themselves. Shammi Thilakkan and Basil Joseph provide adequate support. Alister Alex, the youngest amongst all shows great potential as well. However as expected, Fahadh Faasil(FaFa) supersedes his co-actors by a mile. The unpredictability & effortless transformation he brings to the table is unparalleled at least in today’s times. FaFa is undoubtedly among the top five actors in Indian cinema.
Malayalam cinema continues to prove that solid storylines backed by simple, impactful visuals within decent budgets topped up with realistic, subtle yet out-of-the-box performances can churn out intriguing entertainers. Thanks to OTT, the non-south Indian audience can look beyond BOLLYWOOD.
On the whole, Joji is a compelling watch for the overall experience.