PaulsonPhilip

"While Malayalam cinema has delivered countless films about the lives of police officers, audiences here tend to appreciate and expect a more naturalistic and realistic approach. Reflecting this trend, the recently released Malayalam film 'Ronth' stands out for its authenticity. The word 'Ronth' refers to the nightly patrols conducted by police - and this film precisely depicts a single night of patrolling involving two rural police officers: an experienced Sub-Inspector and a young CPO driver. Their experiences during the patrol and the incidents they encounter form the heart of the story.

To be clear, 'Ronth' feels like a film that rises above the average. I thoroughly enjoyed it - every scene reminds us that even police officers are human, facing unique personal challenges and vulnerabilities. The emotional depth and inner struggles of the characters are portrayed beautifully. Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew, who play the lead roles, deliver deeply moving performances - with Dileesh embodying a man with 25 years of police service, and Roshan as the driver, barely six months into his job. The film emphasizes that alongside training, handling real-life cases requires keen observation and emotional intelligence.

Dileesh Pothan's character, a seasoned officer, acts both as a mentor and a disciplinarian to the inexperienced driver, often correcting his mistakes with empathy and, when needed, strictness. At the same time, both men carry profound, unhealed traumas from their pasts that affect their daily lives - hinted at in poignant scenes, such as Dileesh visiting the grave of a one-day old baby named Angel, subtly revealing his emotional pain.

The narrative also doesn't shy away from showing the cracks within the system: corrupt officers, politics within the force, and the interference of higher authorities - these elements bring a necessary realism to the story. While the film doesn't focus much on a central female character, its strength lies in a tightly written script and an execution that never compromises originality. The climax is both unexpected and rooted in the story's realism.

The film stands apart for eschewing the overblown melodrama or action tropes of police stories. Instead, it offers an unvarnished look at the mundane and the morally complex, with moments of both vulnerability and understated heroism. Director & Writer of the film Mr. Shahi Kabir, known for his previous work 'Ela Veezha Poonchira'. I think he is very much interested in these kind of films. The cinimatography, editing, and backgroung scores also upto the mark.

In summary, 'Ronth' is a must-watch for those who appreciate Malayalam cinema's realistic turn - it is a police story that values humanity over heroics, and atmosphere over action, making it a standout entry in the genre."

"Every drop of blood will be questioned by history. The living will speak for those who were killed".

'Narivetta,' directed by Anuraj Manohar, tells us a powerful story about politics and society. The film is inspired by real events, especially the 2003 Muthanga protest in Wayanad, Kerala. Even though the story and characters are fictional, they are closely connected to real people and incidents from Kerala's recent history.

The movie's main character is Varghese Peter, played by Tovino Thomas. He is a young man who, after passing his PSC exams, becomes a Police Constable. Varghese is not very interested in politics at first, but as he starts working, he faces the harsh and unfair realities inside the police and government. Through his journey, we see how tribal (Adivasi) people struggle to get their rights and face mistreatment from society and the authorities.

'Narivetta' tells its story in a creative way, sometimes jumping back and forth in time, and focusing on real emotions and experiences. The movie also stands out for its strong acting, beautiful camera work, and music, which make the audience feel the seriousness of the situation. The conversations in the movie are meaningful and highlight important problems faced by Adivasis and others who are usually ignored.

What makes 'Narivetta' special is how clearly it shows the failures of the government and society, especially in the way they treat tribal people. It shows how those in power often don't give them their rights or respect, using excuses like tradition or law. The characters seem very real and help viewers understand the sadness and frustration of people pushed to the margins.

In short, 'Narivetta' is an important film because it talks about real issues in a way that makes us think seriously about fairness and justice. Its true-to-life approach and strong acting make it a powerful and memorable movie in Malayalam cinema.

I loved the film.

Alappuzha Gymkhana is, unfortunately, a film that fails on almost every front. From the very beginning, the movie sets a negative tone with dialogues and scenes that not only lack depth but also, at times, disrespect the foundations of Christian beliefs. As a sports film, it does a disservice to boxing, portraying it as a mere shortcut for students to gain grace marks rather than as a discipline that demands respect and hard work.

The story revolves around a group of youngsters who, after failing their Plus Two exams, take up boxing in hopes of securing academic grace marks. What could have been a meaningful exploration of youth struggles or a light-hearted sports comedy instead becomes a series of shallow, comical antics. The film relies on the presence of familiar young actors like Ganapathy, Naslen, and Lukman, but even their performances feel uninspired and directionless. It's as if the director himself was unsure who the real hero was supposed to be.

From a technical standpoint, the film suffers from weak direction, poor editing, and a screenplay that seems confused about its own purpose. There isn't a single memorable dialogue or message worth taking home. If the movie was intended for today's college students, it seriously underestimates their taste and intelligence-modern youth expect and deserve much better storytelling and execution.

Perhaps most disappointing is the feeling that the audience is being cheated out of their time and money. With ticket prices as they are, viewers expect at least a basic level of quality, which Alappuzha Gymkhana fails to deliver. Such missteps can damage the credibility of the filmmakers and cast alike.

In summary, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a forgettable film with no redeeming qualities-no inspiring message, no standout performances, and no lasting impact. Unless you are a completist who must watch every new Malayalam release, this is one you can safely skip.

Verdict: Not recommended. There are far better Malayalam films deserving of your attention and support.