Joji

Joji is the best 2021 Indian film i have watched so far. The script has brilliantly taken certain elements from Shakespeare's Macbeth and used it in rural kerala's setting in it's own unique way. Fahadh proves why he is the talk of the whole country right now by delivering a spectacular performance but it's the background score which made this slow burning thriller so effective. Top tier stuff. That said first hour of it's slightly slow but the music, performances and those beautiful wide angled shots builds the tension very well in it and we as viewer's are aware that something hideous is simmering and it's gonna blow up and it takes it's time in that but when it blows up the last 40 minutes of it are all worth it and makes our skin crawl with uncertainty and tension. It's streaming on Prime video, do check it out.

A very slow thriller. You need a lot of patience to watch and enjoy this. Though less than 1.5 hours, I found it too boring at places. Not many plot twists or turns either. Probably I read the reviews before watching the movie and expected too much to happen.

This is just a general review. I won't reveal any specific details but just share some of my general insights.

This film is the perfect reason why the Malayalam Film Industry is considered far superior than Bollywood and other South Indian film industries. This film is firstly a treat to the eye. This level of film making I've seen only in Malayalam films. Yes the cinematography is breathtaking, showing the lush green landscapes of Kerala and the camerawork and all, but the acting is what stands out for me. Fahad Fazil, like what can be said that hasn't already been said about this guy? This guy is a joy to look at. His voice, mannerisms, the way he conveys with his eyes, feels so natural. The guy's a born performer. I'm a fan of his and think he's the best actor I've seen to date in India. He's god damn Brilliant. And so are the other actors. They all are so natural and so amazing. The casting is simply perfect.

These guys take care of the technical aspects so well, the end result being a spectacular, technically perfect film. Mallus imo have surely mastered the art of film making.

Another thing I appreciate is that there are no unnecessary songs or stuff like that or even Product Placements that can ruin the fun for people like me and make a film hard to be taken seriously. Except for the Jeep lol. But it was quite subtle. The BGM is tense and adds gravitas to the scenes. Splendid job, Joji team. Loved it.

What a movie. Pothettan outsmarted himself. I can't convey how good this movie is in words. You should just experience it.

Speaking of the director's previous movies - Maheshinte Prathikaaram and Thondimuthal were classes apart.

The problem with Joji is there is an element of predictability lingering in the air, right from the start till the very end.

Characters have no great depth, all we know about Joji is he is frustrated with his life, but to what level and due to what reason is not clearly conveyed. Same goes with his accomplice Bincy.

Acting performances are good.

Movie has a steady pace and it does not drag.

Background score could have been scores better, all one remembers of the background music is that eerie western classical playing all the time, offering nothing fresh.

Overall an ok-ok watch !