North 24 Kaatham

One of the great things about Malayalam cinema is that it keeps on experimenting with different genres and comes up with various story lines unlike other industries.

North 24 Kaatham (N24) is road-rom movie, which shows how a single journey can change one's outlook towards life. Protagonist of the film is 'Hari Krishnan', a software engineer who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is portrayed convincingly by Fahadh Faasil who undertakes a journey to attend a conference in Trivandrum.

First and foremost, the great thing of the film is its subtle depiction of the problems faced by people in Kerala like 'Harthal' strikes and carefully highlighting the perennial issue of politics. Debutant director Anil Radhakrishnan Menon has skilfully managed to incorporate such elements in the movie, with which every Keralite will relate to, but avoided a preachy tone or overemphasis on a particular subject. Menon has been able to unravel each character layer by layer until one reaches the center.

Fahaadh Faasil's character's transformation and his outlook towards life is aptly portrayed with subtle scenes that you cannot but appreciate his acting, which shows why Faasil is among the best in today's young guns. 'Nani', played by Swathi Reddy, is a carefree character who enjoys life and has a 'ready to help' attitude. The thing worth mentioning here is, the portrayal of her character by director Menon, he skilfully avoided to show scenes involving alcohol or to showcase unnecessary 'helpful act' scenes, but still is successful in putting across the message. Acting by veteran actor Nedumudi Venu playing as Gopalan, is like having a dessert after a course of a meal. Even though there is no relationship between Nani and Gopalan, you still see glimpses of father-daughter love between them, delighting the viewers.

The technical aspects of the film like direction and cinematography is really good and music by Govind & Rex adds to the film's good quotient.

Nutshell: If you had a bad day and wish to end it with a good feeling, you got to watch N24; with no love or fight scenes, it still captures your attention manages to show that love doesn't need words to express, emotions is enough.

This movie is almost flawless. Iam quiet astonished that it have not received an 8+ rating. Perfect picturisation and background score. Its fast paced and eventful with comedic moments. Fahad portrayed his character with OCD to absolute perfection. Its all about his expression. Must watch film.

The summary above states the plight of how fantastic Malayalam cinema is received by the movie-goers. People just haven't got acclimatized by which movies to go to & which not. At a time when the industry is experimenting, it is onto us that we support it.

North 24 Kaatham depends upon the used formula, but delivers hyper-adventurous experience.

Talking about how a single journey can change a person's perspective in & towards life, N24K captures the condition of commuters during the infamous & sometimes unnecessary strikes (hartal) in Kerala. It gathers few current topics as well, while speaking about love, relationship, life values & death. Now, since there are many elements packaged in one, interpretations may differ, but at the end of the day, what matters is entertainment & message. The film by débutante Anil Menon does to Malayalam Cinema which only few filmmakers have done: STRENGTHEN!

Fahadh Faasil is getting glamorous every passing day, his performance as the skeptical, hygiene-conscious prig is amazing; he is directed very well & aptly. His co-actors Nedumudi Venu & Swathi Reddy both are top-notch. Supporting cast is fine; Sreenath Bhasi is growing as a teen symbol. Coupled with ample humor, slapstick, seriousness & drama, N24K succeeds more in the second half throwing emotions & sensitive expressions to its viewers. Music is very good and Rex Vijayan's vocals again brings the ceiling down, editing is tad goofy, screenplay & direction well-done.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly Recommended! As a whole, it delivers what it proposes & we might even link it with Neelakasham.... Although both talk something different about life. 7.4 out of 10.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES (One scene might be awkward)

Profanity/Nudity/Sex: No | Vulgarity: Mild | Violence/Gore: No | Smoking/Drugs: No | Alcohol: Strong

Released in September this year, I'd been hearing a lot of good reviews about North 24 Kaatham, but I couldn't catch it at the movies and I woefully regret it now. North 24 Kaatham is indeed a casual watch with not the thickest of storyline or the best of direction but for what its worth it bring out a warm feeling from within. I loved it and I have to shout how good it is, period!

North 24 Kaatham by débutante director Anil Radhakrishan Menon is assured to be a good time. An IT professional with OCD, an elderly school teacher and an NGO activist makes for an odd trio who takes a trip through a hartal-stricken Kerala's one end to the other. Stumbling on to crass and caricatures alike, comedy has been spattered from frame one to the end and it doesn't bore you for even a second. Hari's fish outta water sequences were the best among the lot.

Having starred in more than 10 movies this year and most of them garnering enough attention, Fahadh Faasil is a force to reckon with. A well established actor by now, this guy has proved that he can handle any role with ease. The OCD-ridden Harikrishnan he plays here is a perfect example where he displays a prodigious performance with the least of dialogs. Nedumudi Venu, one of my favorites, is never less impressive. Swathi Reddy, fresh outta her Amen debut and despite her weird lip-sync issues, manages to steal some smiles as well. Familiar faces like Geetha, Sreenath Bhasi, Chemban Vinod and Premji Amaren makes good use of the screen time they were given.

Ah and the music, such wonderful tunes that goes well with the visuals. Rex Vijayan's title track 'Thanaro' deserves to be stuck in that little niche in your head at least for some days. Govind Menon's score was also pleasing to the ears. I'd recommend North 24 Kaatham to anybody seeking some good fun. Its fresh, its fun and unlike me, its never too late for you to regret.

Ten years later and this is still fahadh's most underrated performance. Fahadh is a phenomenon today, with his roles in Aavesham and pan-indian films like Vikram and Pushpa gaining him acclaim. But this movie was made in a time where the actor had to prove himself as not just a nepo baby. I think North 24 Kaatham helped this view that after mamooka and lalettan, he was gonna be the best that mollywood had to give. And damn he is basically unrecognizable in his role. Like everything from mannerisms to the way he moves his eyes sternly at the beginning and becomes more free at the end is perfect. Its sad that this movie's print is so crappy because he was mere perfection in this film and shows us how this man managed to achieve the unimaginable success he has today. The best part is: the rest of the movie is pretty great too, with standouts being nedumudi venu's and swathi reddy's performances and the beauty and diversity of kerala being expertly portrayed on screen.