Chirakodinja Kinavukal

I had seen this film again previously and i felt that this movie deserves a mention. It is one of the better attempts at spoof making which is a genre ignored by malayalam cinema in general. There are numerous subtle as well as obvious references to earlier malayalam cinemas which can be understood more by a malayalee. I don't think outsiders may be able to appreciate the film for the depth in understanding it provides to Indian cinema. It makes fun of many high budget superstar cinemas which makes us reflect on the quality of cinemas that the industry provides to its viewers. Overall, i would like to congratulate the thought that the director has given towards the script of this film. The references to countless cinemas in each minute of the film showcases the brilliance of the director. Spoofs such as this is a pleasure to watch.

The movie deserves it's place in the history of Malayalam films as one of the 'really different', 'daring' and 'bold attempts' of all time. It does fall short of being perfect - but there is no dearth to the 'spoof' entertainment being ditched out throughout the whole length of the movie :) The movie is without doubt the most genuine and worthy spoof attempt in Malayalam and is a slap at the face of established directors and new comers who ditch out their set of clichés and horrible stuff year in and year out :) The movie rightly has 'sarcasm' in loads and pokes fun at the truly 'double headed mentality' of the general Malayali audience who act like they carve for something different and then discards it without any mercy when being served something really different :) It requires tremendous guts to come out with a product like this and the newbie director, scriptwriter and the 'daring' producer deserves a pat on their back for willing to take such a big and bold risk :)

It's a 'must-watch' for true lovers of movies who can genuinely understand the 'spoof genre' and is looking for variety. For the others, there is always your yearly dose of superstar actor and director movies to fill up your never ending desire for 'family and festival entertainers' :)

Malayalam cinema has rarely ventured into the spoof genre, and with Chirakodinja Kinavukal, the genre gets a glorious welcome.

Starting with a cheeky narration (by Lal Jose, and then by Sreenivasan himself), the film is a film inside a film. Our neighborhood aspiring writer N P Ambujakshan (Sreenivasan) from Azhakiya Ravanan (1996) is reciting his script to potential producers. With lots of textual graphics surrounding this narration, the introduction is full of potshots aimed at the conventionality of Malayalam cinema. One better learn to read Malayalam or he/she may miss the textual inferences.

The film inside the film is a love story between a tailor (Boban) and Sumathi (Mrs. Abu) whose relationship is jeopardized by a third character, the UK man (again Boban). Now this story is what is recited by Ambujakshan with frames shifting from this story to the actual recitation. And boy, is it fun to see the stories unfold.

The humor is created by screwballing the characterization and the plot, slipping in absurd situations sporadically. Since it is a spoof movie, one does not search for logic in the plot line and that itself, per se, is the single greatest factor that the film enjoys in preventing itself from being kicked off as nonsense. Filled with jokes about social and current affairs, cinema, politics, social media, world affairs, and relationships, the film is a definite entertainer. It parodies and refers so many films that if I start listing, I may end up making a bestseller. From Sibi Malayail's Thaniyavartanam (1987) to Sameer Thahir's NPCB (2013) - all are referred in this quirky comedy that falters only at the climax.

So many other things are spoofed here even the statutory warning video about cigarette smoking is not spared. You may have seen unconventional ways of conveying the message about the perils of cigarette smoking in Ohm Shanti Oshana (2014), but this here is some creative overload.

Apart from that, the whole rendition is irreverent if we compare it to similar ventures like Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015) that entertained us earlier this year. Plus, many of the characters here don't have names; instead they are addressed by what they really are (for example, Boban's double role is called UK kaaran because he hails from UK). I believe this was a brilliant idea which surely ups the ante.

Kallingal is all shimmering throughout the film, and so is Boban in his funny double role. Supporting cast is great, as well. Having said before, the climax is weak compared to what we were served initially. Roping in Innocent to salvage the climax also doesn't work out properly. But of course, nothing is perfect, and for this experimentation, I am even ready to forget it.

BOTTOM LINE: Chirakodinja Kinavukal is a well-directed, well-written spoof comedy that has to be seen if one needs to know why years down the line, it will be called a cult classic. 7/10 - recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

There are so many films like Chirakodinja Kinavukal being churned out by the Malayalam film industry. Week in and week out. It is almost as if there is a machine somewhere. And every film is churned out by this machine. The Malayalam film industry is like a factory that produces ready made entertainment products for the masses. The personality of the director/writer is absent in films like Chirakodinja Kinavukal. There are no auteurs.

Just push out anything. Anything would do - spoof popular movies. Cast the same tired old actors who are simply going through the motions. Actors like Sreenivasan and Manoj.K.Jayan have acted in many classic Malayalam films. And many turkeys as well. This one is a turkey, no question about it.

I stopped the DVD after 25 minutes of the director's uninspired attempts to make fun of the clichés in popular Malayalam films.

(1/10)

Even though interesting spoof comedies like 'Tamil Padam' and 'Sudigadu' created waves in other industries down south,one such film in Mollywood was long awaited and Chirakodinja Kinavukal puts an end to the wait by offering the first spoof entertainer in Malayalam spoofing almost everything from familiar clichés in Malayalam film industry to even the political scenario of today.

Directed by newcomer Santhosh Vishwanath and written by yet another debutant Pravin.S,Chirakodinja Kinavukal is a refreshing movie that succeeds in evoking laughs at regular intervals by making fun of typical cinematic stereotypes and utilizing hilarious reworks of memorable sequences from yesteryear films and satirical dialogues aimed at notable figures from the filmy,social and political arenas.Different clichés that we come across in our films have been intertwined impressively by Praveen.S that managed to get good response from the audience right through the running time.

The movie took some time to establish itself and there were some unwanted serious sequences which could have been avoided as the basic idea was to present a no-brainer parody about cinema.Leaving aside these flaw sand the fact that the story had more room for spoofing many more memorable sequences which was left unused,Santhosh's Chirakodinja kinavukal is an enjoyable fare that provides two hours of fun that deserves a watch for its fresh storyline,hilarious spoof elements and genuinity in narration.

Listin Stephen and his 'Magic Frames 'can be proud of the fact that his 5th consecutive endeavor in Mollywood too is nevertheless a decent entertainer,a track record that no other producer in Mollywood can boast of.

Coming to the performances,Kunchako Boban was quiet impressive as Thayyalkaaran and excelled with his expressions and dialog delivery.His villain avatar as Uk-kaaran too was good even though the character was half-baked to be frank.Rima Kallingal performed as Sumathi really well.Sreenivasan reprised his role of A.PAmbujakshan from 'Azhakiya Ravanan' well.Joy Mathew,Sunil Sukhada etc were notable among the rest of the cast.

Art Direction team deserves a special mention for colorful sets which was captured well by Vaidy.Mahesh Narayanan's editing was OK.Deepak Dev did an impressive job with the background score perfectly suiting the spoof atmosphere and the songs too being good with 'Nilakudame' being the best from the lot of three.

Overall,Chirakodinja Kinavukal is a variety attempt in Mollywood that's worth a watch for its originality as far as our industry is concerned.

Verdict::Evethough the fact remains that a little more care while scripting could have taken the movie to another well,Chirakodinja Kinavukal is nevertheless a genuine attempt in Mollywood were experiments come in few numbers.With numerous moments to laugh this refreshing spoof entertainer is worth a try for all who love watching experimental films. Ma Rating::7/10 _Afsal