Sometimes I wonder what makes Biju Menon so intrinsically talented that he can have the looks of a rowdy goon and still make you laugh. Then I realize that it's not just about his talent but also about his co-actors and the writing. Padayottam is that type of a film where talent, acting, and inventive writing come together to create a fun ride that is only let down by few minor gaps in the plot. Menon plays a 'gunda' from Trivandrum whose reputation precedes his entrance. Trouble hits home for everyone involved when his help is sought by a local gym owner cum low-profile 'gunda' (Dileesh Pothan) and his chums to seek revenge from a guy who lives in Kasargod, a place known to be brutish as hell. The crime comedy follows this motley crew as they go from one point to another and engage in tomfoolery to ultimately wrap their heads around an abduction that will test their real power of hooliganism. A lot of time, I sensed that the humor was forced, but that can be ignored, thanks to Sudhi Koppa's phenomenal character and comic timing, giving you enough to sit back, relax, and chuckle. Rafeek Ibrahim's Padayottam is not perfect but it is a fairly enjoyable gangster flick with scores of quotable one-line jokes. TN.
