Ayalum Njanum Thammil...

This is a Malayalam language film starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Prathap Pothan in key roles.

The title of the film might misguide that it's a romantic film with a female protagonist. However the title is from the point of view of a doctor about his mentor.

The film is actually a must watch for medical students and would be a good watch for non medics to understand the pressures doctors have to go through.

The mentor opens this junior doctor's eyes, and moulds him to rise beyond perceptions and to realise and rise beyond the book and to truly realise what medical ethics mean. The support cast of Ramya Nambeesan and Kalabhavan Mani play key roles in that.

The romance element is understandable to bring the human side of the protagonist, but in essence plays its part only to lighten the film. It is well moulded in the story and editing.

The film also reports on how corporate hospitals try to misuse and manipulate situations, at times illegally and inhumanely.

There were a few scenes at the beginning where the direction seemed amateurish. Also certain scenes when it wasn't clear where it was drifting to a flashback. Otherwise a great film and a must watch!

This's one of the best works by Bobby-Sanjay. Trust me, you'll never disappoint with this!

Utilising the best performances from each actors, Lal Jose did utmost justification to the script! Also, can't leave Kalabhavan Mani behind - such a short character, and the impact he made was incredible! Applause to the perfect casting team!

Revisiting Ayalum Njanum Thammil on it's 6th year anniversary!

A movie which holds a special place in my heart!

This was one of the first movie in which I saw present & past showing together without informing the watcher. I liked it very much. Overall really nice theme.

It's quite a challenge to write a review about such a movie as "Between him and me" as whatever I'm trying to say sounds nothing comparing to my feelings about the film.

Writing any review you're trying to indicate the main issue. But what if every moment, every word, every glance is the main thing?

Looking at the posters, promo, stills and reading about "ANT" I thought the film was about the medical world. But it is not. Well, it is, but just 10% of the movie. Together with the characters you'll think who a heaven-born doctor is and what it is being a doctor. Who can make decisions about life and death? Family? Yes, this is what the laws say. But what if the family being hysterical can't think adequately? Should a doctor save life despite their opinion? And does he have such a right? And can a doctor forget his main goal – saving life – working in compliance with the laws? Or should he risk and take a chance even if it means ruining his reputation?

But the movie is much bigger than that.

What I loved the most about "ANT" is that there you won't find any flawless and totally positive heroes. Every character is a real person with his/her strengths and weaknesses. Maybe this is why a viewer can emphasize.

Hats off to the filmmakers for letting us observe how Dr Ravi has been growing up. We see a light-minded student who thinks more about having fun, parties and love than his studies, and can't even write down a diagnosis told by a patient. But the life hit him so terribly that my heart was bleeding watching his sufferings. You can't avoid the feeling how it happens in life – one tiny filth can cause huge evil sprouting terrible despair which can deprive of all morality, and even a decent person can lose a human face risking someone's life. Doesn't it happen in real life?

You're looking at the man and can't stop feeling anger as despise him. But at the same moment you realize that this person (that cop) has ruined his life, just like that, for fun, showing-off… and you understand the doctor and the reasons of his cruelty… but other people can't be responsible for actions of their relatives, even if they are the worst people on earth… despising but understanding – all feelings put together…

Just like a snowball starts with only one snowflake, some tiny evil can lead to terrible consequences ruining lives. But an act of kindness can heal better than any medicine. We watch how Dr Samuel acts against his principles, but he believes in Dr Ravi and forgives his mistake and gives him second chance. What if he hadn't done it? Would have been there the same Dr Ravi who is ready to risk his reputation for saving lives? I don't think so. If a person has a heart I don't think he/she can remain indifferent to "ANT" as it's a smart and delicate movie.

As for the actors, Prithvi was just brilliant! I felt every emotion with him. I didn't realize it was just a movie, really forgot about it –so amazing work he did. He appeared in different images starting from a young reckless guy to a passionate loving man, from an intern found himself face-to-face with real world in a hospital without any cheat- sheets to a broken man – Prithviraj can play everything. Hats off, Prithvi!

Samvrutha – I don't like this actress and with every movie even more. But her part is not big and helps to show Dr Ravi, nothing more. So OK. Anyway I would prefer any other girl playing Sainu. As for Rima and Remya – liked both of them, beautiful girls and good performance.

Narain – love this guy. So sad his role is not big. Charming, nice looking, good actor. My favourite scene is when Vivek is watching the news on TV about his best friend being in trouble. All palettes of emotions are in his eyes.

Well, resuming my thoughts, this film is like a little life and this is why no words can describe it in a way it deserves. It's just one of the best movies I've watched in years.

My obeisance to the whole crew as everything is brilliant in this film.

Probably I was mesmerized more by the non-linear story-telling or the wonderful acting by the electrifying cast in this well-directed movie concerning a cause so prevalent in the Indian backlog.

Prithviraj is fantastic and I know why he was awarded. Prathap Pothan is the cynosure of this good script written by people who have given us classic like Traffic. Lal Jose does the magic again after his sweet comedy Diamond Necklace. I was taken aback by the level of detailing in this flick as it progresses with a punch of suspense about the vividness of the doctor profession. The minutiae is terrific and the music/score backs it greatly. Supporting cast like Samvrutha & Remya & Narain & Rima have done well with what was given to them. Kalabhavan Mani and his part of story is one of the USP of one of the very few films of 2012 which dents the universe as well as stamps a message. Ustahd Hotel, 22FK, Ee Adutha Kalathu & Spirit intrigued me.

It was high time someone delivered an unconventional & experimental movie to Indian cinema & I am glad I watched ANT. Only, that some sequences and humor were predictable & vague, I really enjoyed the 130 minutes of inventive screenplay.

BOTTOM LINE: Ayalum Njanum Thammil is a massive entertainer & true cinema with all the factors taken care of; one that gives a message and a take on a series of day-to-day activities and paradoxes of life and is well-executed. Kudos!

WATCH OUT FOR: Subtlety of the movie, Prithviraj & Prathap Pothan!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Language: No | Sex, Nudity or Foreplay: No | Violence: Strong | Gore: Mediocre | Smoking, Alcohol or Drugs: No | Vulgarity: No