Pani

Pani (2024) aka The Job "A Truly Stunning Thriller"

Pani is the directorial debut of Malayalam Actor Joju George, who had started his career as a struggling junior artist. The journey from his early struggling days, from a Junior Actor to becoming a leading Hero, later to a Producer, Writer and finally to a Director, is a testament to the growth of a passionate artist, as showcased in Pani.

Watched the Telugu dubbed Version. Pani tells the unsettling story of a Big shot whose life went upside down when he accidentally crosses path with two low life youngsters, who turn out to be brutal criminals.

With great cast and great technical team, director Joju has crafted a gripping thriller. For an actor making his first directorial debut, it would have been safer to choose a Hit Remake film, much like Kamal Hassan did with his directorial debut Chachi 420, remake of Mrs Doubtfire, or simply he could have opted to build a film around the stardom of a superstar, as Prithviraj did with his debut Lucifer. But Joju simply went for a risky character driven thriller uniquely written for Antagonists.

This is one of those rare movies where the Villains were written so brilliantly that such roles turns out to be pure gold for any aspiring actors. And the newcomers in the movie portrayed these roles exceptionally well. The phrase 'A movie is only as good as its villain' truly holds true in the case of Pani.

As a director, Joju had the freedom to boost his Hero image incorporating with unlimited hero-centric, Hero elevation scenes, slow motion Hero shots, Mass dialogues, dance and songs. But he chose to shy away from such gimmicks, focusing on the character driven story arc. It's a remarkable directorial achievement for an Artist like Joju to make such bold creative decisions, avoiding the commercialization of a revenge storyline.

Don't know why some people bitiching about the violence in this movie. I found it to be very low and soft on violence even for a U/A rating. The version I saw didn't have any sort of mature scenes, nudity, or any graphical frightening shots.

A hard rating "A certificate" is more suitable for Tamil movies like Maharaja, which deal with high octane violence and intense subjects like rape. It's high time the SIMP GENERATION people should really stop bitiching about hard hitting movies, and really appreciate the effort taken by the makers to pitch such strong subjects.

Positives - The Story, The Tone, The writing, The Treatment. Also the night Photography, this is one of the rare films that captures the charm of thrilling Night shots so effectively. The way it was lit, especially in a thriller, those vehicle shots, rigging for vehicles is another art, shout out to the cinematography team, hands down one of the best experience. And above all, the direction, I don't know whether it was Joju George or his associate teams - the true Author of this film, who ever pulled this off, deserves an award.

Negatives - The third act feels a little lame, could have ended on a stronger note, also the makeup for one of the villain on second half, that fake moustache feels out of place.

I give this movie a deserving 8/10. Waiting to watch the original Malayalam version in OTT just to cross check if any violent scenes were edited out in the Telugu version.

Pani is a cinematic work belonging to the action crime thriller drama genres, under the direction of Joju Jeorge.

The film's narrative is focused on the character of Giri and the relationships he shares with his family and friends. The characters, namely Giri and his associates, wield considerable influence within Thrissur City. The film's narrative is set against the backdrop of the quotation gangs that operate within the city, with Giri and his allies exerting a significant degree of control over these groups. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Giri's wife is assaulted by Don Sebastian and Siju, a newly formed quotation team that rapidly ascends to prominence. The primary motivation for their actions is a desire for retribution against Giri for publicly humiliating them. In response, Giri and his associates endeavour to apprehend the assailants. However, the aforementioned individuals proceeded to inflict further harm upon Giri's associates. This culminated in the murder of one of Giri's closest companions and injuries to his brother-in-law and mother. The assailants then surrendered to the police. However, Giri was able to apprehend them and subsequently killed them.

The narrative is of a moderate and established nature. The direction, however, is commendable and adheres to established conventions. The performances of the cast members are noteworthy for their commendable quality. The cinematography and musical scores are of a high standard. The film is therefore considered to be of value as a one-time watching experience.

Pani - An eye for an eye

A solid revenge thriller with a rustic story backed by a striking screenplay and brilliant execution.

The story revolves around Giri & his aides who were keeping a low profile gets dragged into an irksome loop by two boys with criminal track records and how they take revenge forms the crux of the story.

Joju has executed the story with a strong bounded script and technical brilliance. The anxiety that was on air when the first look poster released became foolproof with the release of the visual feast. Joju has blended all the essential components required for an engaging story,be it action,romance,violence,humour, family drama,emotions,friendship which keeps the audience hooked to the movie. His 30 years of experience in the film industry has culminated this day in the form of a good thriller movie for all genus of audience. The car chasing scenes in the movie is definitely a visual treat that shows the real car guy in Joju. The tail end sequences will give you goosebumps and it will remind the audience of a typical dialogue of a Thrissur guy "Poorathinu padakkam pottanapole angu pottatte".

Subtle performances by Joju & Seema in the movie. Stunning performances by Sagar Surya as a pervert revolting guy after his impressive performance in Kuruthi and Junaiz as the silent psycho has lifted the movie. Impressive performances by Bobby Kurian,Abhinaya,Sujith Shankar, Prashanth Alex,Ramesh Girija & Ranjith Velayudhan.

Mesmerizing shots by Venu & Jinto that captured the visual beauty of the cultural heritage city and the festive vibe of the people. Big hugs to Ajayan Adat,Rajkrishnan & Piousmon for their contribution to the pleasing sounds & Santosh Raman for the beautiful sets. Ultimately, big applause to Manu Antony for giving us an engaging thriller with his precise cuts .

A cutting edge action thriller by Joju that definitely shows his rich experience and proves us wrong and keeps us thinking whether this is his debut directorial.

Rating - 3.75/5.

Pani is a brilliant example of Indian cinema pushing boundaries with bold storytelling and captivating visuals.

Set in Thrissur, the film combines tension, stunning cinematography, and heart-pounding car stunts to create a truly immersive experience.

The direction and background score keep you on edge, making every moment impactful. The team's effort to visualize Thrissur authentically adds depth, while the thrilling action sequences are executed flawlessly. Kudos to Team Pani for their courage in crafting such a gripping and unforgettable film.

A must-watch for lovers of intense and innovative cinema!

Joju George, a celebrated actor who rose from being a junior artist to one of the most versatile talents in the industry, makes a powerful mark with his directorial debut, Pani. This film isn't just another mass entertainer-it's a testament to Joju's years of experience, dedication, and his unique perspective on storytelling.

Right from the opening scene, Pani grabs your attention with its raw intensity, setting the tone for what is to follow: a gritty tale of revenge. The "eye for an eye, ear for an ear" narrative is executed flawlessly, pulling viewers deep into a world driven by vengeance and justice. Joju's attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the stunning visuals to the immersive sound design, creating a cinematic experience that's both visceral and engaging.

What stands out the most in Pani is Joju's ability to breathe life into each character. His own performance is nothing short of spectacular, reminding audiences why he is one of the most respected actors in the industry today. The supporting cast complements his vision, contributing to a rich ensemble that elevates the film's emotional weight.

The action sequences are a visual treat, choreographed with precision and executed with brutal realism. But it's not just about the action-there's a depth to the film that speaks to Joju's understanding of human emotions, relationships, and the darker side of justice.

With Pani, Joju George has not only crafted a mass entertainer but also cemented his place as a formidable director. His storytelling prowess, combined with his seasoned acting skills, makes this film a standout in the genre. It's clear that Joju has created a brand for himself-one that promises intensity, authenticity, and unparalleled entertainment.

This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a film that offers more than just thrills. Pani is a reflection of a seasoned artist pouring his soul into his craft, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.