Centred around the relevant topic of molestation of women in public places, Prathi Poovankozhi offers a one-liner plot stretched into a 100-minute movie. That does not mean it struggles to engage. It's true that the writer (Unni R) and the director (Rosshan Andrrews, who also plays the molester-thug-antagonist) haven't explored the contemporary theme to the lengths we'd have wanted them to, but Prathi Poovankozhi holds good for a start. I'd want more (men and women) film-makers to come up with realistic, longterm solutions to issues such as these. It's something Malayalam cinema has been doing so well in recent times - the choice of topics, well-written women characters, and the rise of women performers in the industry.
The film explores the slow and steady transition of Madhuri (a brilliant-as-always Manju Warrier) from a regular textile shop employee with regular-people-issues (such as a bank loan to pay off, a mother who wishes her daughter gets married soon, and the struggles of travelling daily in public transport) to a woman who encourages other women to stand up for themselves against sexual harassment. On the way, there are some interesting standpoints covered. The light-hearted entertainment comes in the form of Rosamma (a young colleague of Madhuri's who is dating five guys at the same time, played by Anusree). The warmth of parenthood is sprinkled by way of Gopi Chettan (Alencier). There's also the flirtatious cop played by Saiju Kurup (who by now can ace any supporting character).
The changes that happen to Madhuri are also organically portrayed. After the 'incident', Madhuri's stance towards her immediate surroundings changes. A sign of newfound courage makes her confront her neighbour who screams at his wife, the cop who sends her sleazy messages at night, and even the antagonist's wife. All of these scenes have been conceived and written in a believable manner. Rosshan Andrrews surprisingly lends a nasty vibe to Antappan that really makes you want to back Madhuri's urge to slap him.
While the comedy is undoubtedly the lazily written part of the flick, it serves as a breather in an otherwise dead-serious storyline. For its pertinent subject matter, a raging Manju, and a short run-time, Prathi Poovankozhi is worth a watch.
