Sarvopari Palakkaran

Anoop Menon is no leading man. This film proves it. But it is not entirely his fault. His part and the scenes associated with his family were so poorly written that they were hard to take seriously. Especially the scenes where Alancier (who play's Menon's father) and Balu Varghese spy on Menon's future wife while also drinking alcohol. I am not sure which moron came up with that scene. Not only was it ridiculous, but it indicated poor taste. The first half of Sarvopari Palakkaran is mostly banal with the typical clichéd scenes about life in a Malayali Christian family. There are so many films like this now, they have started to become boring.

But the second half picks up with the arrival of the spunky Aparna Balamurali. She saves the film. The film should have had her in the central role and not Anoop Menon's ill etched character. Aparna Balamurali is a force to be reckoned with. This is another fine performance from her after Sunday Holiday. She carries the film on her shoulders.

Veteran Nandakumar/Nandu turns in a fine performance as a cruel pimp. The tracking shot where he walks out of a hotel room in disguise seemed like an aberration in what was otherwise a poorly written and directed film.

I was doubtfully started watching this movie. The ratings or reviews didn't help much. But since I love the cast, the negative vibe couldn't stop me watching. And I must say this deserves better ratings and recognition. Actors doing what they are required to do. Specially Aparna, Anoop, Alencier and Balu. Always love to see Anu on screen.

The problem with the movie is it's tone. It's outdated. The script is not on par with the modern thriller standards even as for a movie came in 2017. It has a good plot, good twists and a good message as well but you feel there's something missing.

Still I believe this deserves better.

Director Venugopan seems to be unsure what his film, Sarvopari Palakkaran, is about. At the start, it's a family drama where a conservative police officer, and a "male chauvinist pig" in feminist language, is looking for a bride who is not influenced by modern culture. Then suddenly the writer moves the plot to that of flesh trade where the same police officer is on the lookout for a racketeer. While Anoop Menon is a travesty in the film, Aparna Balamurali comes in with her typecast role and spews venom like she has a plan to unsettle everybody in and out of the film. After that, the plot becomes a banal suspense thriller without any sense in the construction. It's already cringe-worthy to see Menon play such half-baked roles, and then you bring in two dames like Balamurali and Anu Sithara to wreck havoc in a film that is already muddled with nonsense. Sarvopari Palakkaran is a haphazard play that tries to address social issues but ends up as this unpleasant drama that even the actors wouldn't recommend to their own families. It has a pathetic story, awkward sequences, and Bala Varghese at his worst. TN.