Maradona

I like the way how Vishnu Narayn takes us through the journey of his arrogant small-time gunda (Tovino Thomas) while putting him in a sort of house arrest in an environment where he doesn't belong to show how the human nature is flexible enough and what we as human beings are capable of. The narrative structure is a bit flawed but telling the ordinary story of the rise and fall of a contract hooligan through an objective eye is what makes Maradona a good enough watch if you are looking forward to waste some time next afternoon. Necomer Sharanya Nair is a promising lady and I will be interested in seeing more of her. TN.

Revenge is something best served cold. But the director Vishnu Narayan begs to differ. Maradona has a bit of everything in it. A bit of action for those who love fight sequences, a bit of romance for the youth, a bit of thrill for those crime-thriller cravers like me and a bit of drama for the family. The value and essence of Friendship is emphasized in this movie. And an unexpected climax to top it all off. Maradona is a good family combo meal with Tovino shining throughout and doing justice to the role. Supporting actors too do their part really well. BGM and songs stand out to support the emotions. Really worth a watch. My rating - 9/10

I liked the story. A gangster on the run living cooped up in an apartment with an unsuspecting family. The film had a great cast - with the latest contender Tovino Thomas and Malayalm cinema's favorite supporting actor Chemban Vinod Jose facing off against each other. Tito Wilson and Kichu Tellus (both from Angamali Diaries) are their side kicks. Leona Lishoy is a charming interesting actress. Kichu Tellus is impressive as Chemban's sidekick. I liked the way he held himself on screen. He had a nice easy body language. Tito Wilson is also impressive towards the end of the film.

The writer and director have come up with many interesting characters and situations. But somehow none of it really works. The film is a huge lost opportunity. Tovino is not good enough in some of the scenes. It is a shame because here was an unusual role of a shady and sleazy gangster for him to show his mettle. He acting falls short of expectations on many occasions in the film.

The writing and treatment are often quite poor. The background score is annoying. Maradona had the potential to be a classic crime thriller. It is definitely an unusual film. But also quite lengthy (148 minutes!) and boring. I am sure it will be compared to Mayanadhi.

Maradona (2018) Language: Malayalam

Positives: 1. Tovino Thomas Character & Acting 2. Cinematography 3. Locations 4. Sound Mixing 5. Sharanya (Heroine) & Tito Wilson Character 6. Story 7. Good & Short Dialogue's 8. BGM

Negatives: 1. Some Scenes in 2nd Half 2. Climax Fight Scene

Vishnu Narayan's Maradona is a movie in which the journey is more interesting than the destination. Maradona (Tovino Thomas), seemingly a charmer, takes refuge in his estranged cousin's flat in Bengaluru after he gets injured in an accident. The cousin and family are about to go on a vacation, though, and Maradona is left to fend for himself for a week in the flat, where he gets accidentally locked in.