Chaaver

"The movie started off with great promise, building up the hype and excitement within the first 15 minutes. However, the momentum dipped as the plot slowed down, leaving the audience waiting for the suspense to pick up. This lag continued into the second half, sapping the initial energy. Disappointingly, the film didn't deliver on the expectations set by its trailer. Kunchacko Boban showcased his acting prowess with a commendable role, but Arjun Ashokan's character felt somewhat out of place. Despite the flaws, the movie is worth a single watch for fans of the actors and the genre.".............................

I could sense the enthusiasm with which Tinu Pappachan wanted to deliver this film - it was evident throughout, maybe a tad too much. As a one-liner, I feel Chaaver is a film with potential. But whatever I saw in the film scene-by-scene, the excitement fizzled out early on. The route the screenplay chooses to take is treading the beaten path, with negligible attempts at character development and building emotional depth.

There are feeble efforts to make a character's death feel sad and remorseful, and the thematic use of Theyyam (as an art form) to amplify these feelings unfortunately doesn't hit the mark. On the other hand, there are commendable efforts made on the visual front and the cinematographer (Jinto George) seems to have worked overtime to capture those incredible night shots. However, the excessive use of slo-mo proves to be a dampener. None of the characters stick, and even when Kunchacko Boban manages to look the part (of a no-nonsense ruffian ready to spill blood for his political party), the writing renders him just as inconsequential as the rest.

Arjun Ashokan's character is one that involuntarily gets embroiled in this mess, though I couldn't find one solid reason for him to be tagged along with this motley crew. He could've just been dropped at the next junction for all I care (after the ruckus we see), and nothing in the film would've changed. The political backstabbing and casteist angles are predictably weak, and they don't add much to a film that already appears worn-out while getting to its finish line. Justin Varghese's score is fantastic though, and without it, I'm guessing this would've been an absolute snoozer.

P. S. I'm pretty sure Tinu Pappachan will bounce back from this. This wasn't his comfort zone, and unfortunately, Joy Mathew's writing failed to back him up.

The theme of the movie is violence stemming from political rivalry has long plagued Kerala's conscience and this persists even today. With numerous people from various outfits losing their lives in organised attacks and retaliations, the state has an extensive history of such incidents This movie had no main story. A 10 minute story makes 2 hours story with lagging. Total tragedy movie. Visuals are incredible. A veriety of movie musically visually theyyam based, but the main fault is story line. They might keep atleast good story line while making this movie. Tinu Papachan can direct a mega serial like this story line.

Having heard more negative reviews about the movie, we went in for the movie with much negative expectations, since it was booked in advance. Chaaver is a brutal story revolving around the party thugs who were betrayed after a planned murder by their higher political cadet.

Had much expectations about Tinu Pappachen because of his earlier outings were a feast in theaters. He didn't disappoint in terms of the shots, camera works, excitement, background score but was clueless to deliver a complete package because of the wafer thin plot.

The beauty of the Kannur was nicely captured with amazing visuals and more of an innovative cameraworks. The camera movement and placement needs an applause. Justin Varghese music and the performances of Kunchacko Boban, Arjun Ashokan, Manoj KU, Sajin Gopu and the extended cameo role of Antony Varghese were the saviour of the movie. Tinu should have cut down the runtime of 128 minutes to 90 or 90+ movie which would have been made this wafer thin plot more crispier. The last gun combat was absolute nonsence with more slow motion shots which was actually a waste of time and tiring.

Positives

• Cast and their performances
• Camera
• Music
• Visuals

Negatives

• Script
• Lengthy
• Slowmotion (during the climax gunfight)
• Tiring

My verdict is 04 on 10 and is avoidable in theaters.

If it comes to OTT, try x1.5 times which may entertain you.

This movie had a strong story but sadly the screenplay was not up to the mark. The creators forgot to execute the movie properly. The director attempted to convey more through the imagery shown throughout the film, but even that couldn't save the sinking ship.

The technical side was brilliant in this movie and that combined with the cinematography was top-notch. Locations were carefully selected and that's another positive in the movie.

Rather than going into taking sides and going into politics, people should try to constructively criticize a piece of art. Sadly that's not happening in our contemporary times.

Kunchacko Boban has been involved in some weak script films recently, and this one will also be remembered as one of his poor choices. Arjun Ashokan and Manoj K. U were superb in their respective roles.