3Devi

3 Devi," directed by Ashvin Mathew, is a remarkable Kannada film that stands out with its powerful female-led cast and an intricately woven narrative. The film captivates from the very beginning with its strong characters, each bringing depth and nuance to the story.

The attention to detail in "3 Devi" is commendable. Every scene is meticulously crafted, from the stunning cinematography to the thoughtful set designs, all contributing to a visually enriching experience. The video editing by Sunny Sawrav is top-notch, seamlessly transitioning between scenes and maintaining a gripping pace throughout the movie.

One of the film's standout features is its phenomenal soundtrack. The music not only complements the narrative but also enhances the emotional and dramatic undertones, making it a memorable auditory experience.

The story itself is a blend of mystery and social commentary, tackling significant issues such as the challenges within the film industry and the pervasive gender inequalities. These themes are thoughtfully explored, adding layers of meaning and provoking reflection.

In summary, "3 Devi" is a must-watch for its compelling storytelling, strong character portrayals, and outstanding technical execution. It's a film that not only entertains but also encourages viewers to think critically about important societal issues. Ashvin Mathew has truly created a masterpiece that resonates on multiple levels.

3Devi is not your usual Kannada movie of hyper machoism and over-the-top performances and gravity defying stunts. This is a much more nuanced and subtle approach to storytelling that brings out splendid visual narration, great action pieces, and excellent musical soundtrack. The direction is quite powerful and follows a narrative style is not often seen in Kannada movies. The director's choice of pacing the movie also stands out in this regard. We should keep a look out for this director, since he can create magic on screen in the future.

As for the performers, the noticeable thing is that unlike most films of this industry, this film doesn't have any heroes. There are three heroines and then there are male character artistes who doesn't have names. Each and every actor has done their part really well, especially the three heroines who have also done good stuff with the stunts. The second half of the film is a thriller and fast paced, and the action and emotional journey keeps you on a high. The songs accompanying the story are really good and connects with you on every level.

This movie is a must watch for any cine lover who is looking for something different from the Kannada industry.

"3Devi," a powerful yet subtle narrative that champions women's empowerment, showcases the pure brilliance of Malayali debutant filmmaker Ashvin Matthew in Kannada.

Pursuing filmmaking as an unadulterated art form and harnessing film as a potent means of expression demands significant confidence, courage, and authenticity. While many start with this intention, they often get diverted into the rat race sooner or later. The film's distribution was a challenge because traditional heroes were absent.

Not only does the filmmaker honor a language that is not his mother tongue, but he also pays tribute to it by delving into its roots and introducing Kanda Padya, one of the most authentic forms of the language, extremely popular in ancient Kannada poetry.

Shot in just three weeks in the forests of Kerala, it features a masterful composition of scenes, likely using multiple cameras simultaneously. Along with beautiful edits, perfect timing, and impressive steady mixing of aerial clips, this contributes to its visual brilliance.

The film's skillful storytelling uses similar opening and closing scenes to create a sense of thematic resonance. This technique bookends the narrative, highlighting the journey and transformation of the characters throughout the film.

Rather than rushing through the storytelling process, the filmmaker takes his time in the first half, methodically crafting each character with depth and complexity. This deliberate pacing allows for a more immersive experience, as viewers become fully invested in the protagonists' backgrounds, personalities, and inner conflicts, leading to a more fulfilling and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to music creation and placement. It's true that music plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of a film, and when done right, it can elevate the entire cinematic experience.

The film also incorporates a poignant last-minute reflection of the characters that provides a crucial opportunity for characters to introspect and reconcile their experiences, adding a layer of depth to their journey. By allowing space for this introspection, the film not only enriches the audience's understanding of the characters but also underscores the themes of self-discovery and personal evolution woven throughout the story.

The filmmaker also adds an element of surprise with his captivating performance and screen presence, bringing compelling complexity to the character. I suspect he chose to play the antagonist himself, with the same logic as to how A. R. Rahman often sings to his own compositions.

The antagonist's introspective journey towards remorse and redemption suggests that villains are often shaped by circumstances rather than deliberate choices. This theme resonates across several Malayalam films, including those featuring Mohanlal, such as "Spadikam," where characters are thrust into villainous roles and confront the struggle for redemption.

It's a bonus that this film caters to those who want to simply switch off their brains and enjoy two hours of entertainment. There's an ample and inexhaustible supply of subtle humor throughout the script -- miss it, and you miss out. From a non-Kannada maker to a non-Kannada speaker like myself to understand and appreciate this kind of humor indicates that the casting and delivery of humor were spot on.

Speaking of subtlety, the non-cringe special effects -- a scene that comes to mind is a slow-motion action sequence that suddenly reveals an apparition of Devi in everyone, symbolizing the victory of justice over evil.

Another highlight of the film is the call out to all crew members at the end, which may have been overlooked by some. It's a heartfelt tribute to the countless creative minds and their intricate collaborative process. Such a gesture can only be expected from a filmmaker who views a film as a piece of art and respects every aspect of it. It was a very humbling gesture.

A film achieves success when its impact stays with you even after leaving the cinema, and this one certainly did. Whether it performed well in theaters is uncertain, but in today's landscape, the value of tickets and awards can be manipulated, so it's best not to rely on them as metrics.

Highlighting the value of storytelling beyond box office success, the film is a reminder for aspiring filmmakers to stay true to their vision. One message to confident filmmakers like Ashvin Matthew: "Don't let anyone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of yours."

Amazing movie. Great background score and songs!

3Devi stands out not just for its engaging storyline but for its bold commentary on gender dynamics. It is a film that speaks to the current zeitgeist, urging society to reflect on and challenge the entrenched patriarchal norms. It is a celebration of women's resilience and a call to action for greater equality.

Powerful performances, compelling narrative, and its courageous stance against male chauvinism make it a must watch. It is a film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll, leaving them with much to ponder about the roles women play in both public and private spheres.

3Devi was a brilliant experience. Though it took a whole for the movie to get going action wise, the second half was brilliant and kept you at the edge of the seat. I will say this. The first half feeds you all the necessary information that becomes relevant later in the second half. The exposition and foreshadowing in the first half is something to keep an eye out for.

The soundtrack is brilliant but the cream of the cake is the lineup of the songs.

The colors of the film look something out of a Hollywood production. The sound design especially towards the end lends a lot to the grippiness, if that is a word, of the film.

The actors bring their A game to the stage.

The post production, ie edit, vfx and special effects compliment well. Subtle edits like using cars for crossover transitions was chef's kiss.

Overall, a must watch. Watch out for Ashvin A Matthew. I believe he is going to bring a lot of quality cinema to Indian portfolio.