I was not very optimistic about NARAN, before its release. UDAYON had left a bad impact in me, the failure of CHANDROLSAVAM (which I had enjoyed) to make it big in the box-office all added up to my worries about the immediate future of MohanLal. Though I didn’t ever, for even a fraction of a second, doubt about his calibre, eminence and the certainty of his return with a bang sooner or later, I was also aware that MohanLal needed a super hit badly to convince the inconsistent, thankless Kerala audience. Also I wasn’t satisfied about the way director Joshi had shaped his last few films. The only ray of hope was in Ranjan Pramod, on the basis of MANASSINAKKARE, ACHUVINTE AMMA etc. And, in the end, not only did he deliver coherent to his worth; Joshi also recreated the magic of his earlier days. Yes… NARAN turned out to be a good quality movie - in fact MohanLal’s best since the beginning of the 21st century (I can’t find a better film of his, released after 1999).
Velayudhan is the protagonist in NARAN. He is an orphan, a down to earth person with pure intentions. He was given birth by a woman who is seen flowing through the Mullankolli river on a catamaran (on a rainy day, to add the dramatic effect!) in the opening scene. His mother dies soon after he is born. Velayudhan grows up as a tough and strict person, who can’t help involving himself in each and everything around him. He regards the river as his mother. Velayudhan wants his village Mullankolli to be freed from all the fraud & antisocial practices. For this, he knows no other way but by using muscle-power. He has made some rules the villagers are supposed to follow. Anyone daring to violate the rules should be willing to defeat him in a fist-fight.
The story line may seem to be somewhat familiar. But once you watch the film, you’ll certainly be positively impressed. The stunning visuals (especially the under water sequences) are a treat for the eyes. A few memorable characters, nice songs, good script and direction. But what stands out is MohanLal’s unmatched commitment to the role. That leaves you breathless in certain sequences. All the other actors have supported well, and it’s nice to see the veteran Madhu back on the screen after a while. There is no romance (except for a mention about the past) and running around trees with a teenaged heroine. Absolutely no unwanted matter anywhere in the movie, and not a single boring moment. That’s a remarkable achievement, I would say. NARAN is a perfect example of good teamwork. Some of the frames bring a nostalgic recollection of Malayalam cinema in the late 80’s.
I’m cutting it short here, and I do recommend the movie to all of you – in any age group. Don’t know why, the film is being marketed as an action movie. I can’t agree with that. It do have a few stunt scenes of course; but the emphasis is on Velayudhan’s innocent, frank nature.. his distinctive relationship & attachment with Mullankolli river.. how the villagers discover his worth.. how the whole village is affected when Velayudhan decides to shut himself temporarily..