Aghavizhi

This is Lensmangops Pictures fourth short film (20 min.); definitely their best if you go purely by execution.

What starts out as a simple run-of-the-mill love story/triangle soon twists and turns into 'dark film' territory. Its only short-coming is that it had the potential to be a 'darker film' but it refuses to take that plunge.

The film/concept blends dreaming state, waking state, parallel universes, and quantum physics into a heady mix. After the film is over, it resonates inside till you come to your own conclusion(s).

The concept is spectacular and the film is open-ended. This is the kind of film that I love to watch because it respects its audience. It manipulates them and even taunts its own concept once (when Anjan says to himself: "This has to be a dream! This better be a dream… Wake up! Just wake up!") Now, that is a rare quality in films, especially, in short films.

Excellent BGM, cinematography, and editing along with first rate performances by all the main leads make this one of the best short films to come out in 2013.

The direction and screenplay subtly take a backseat and let us be thrilled with all the other aspects of film-making.

Gopakumar is no Nolan because saying so will be an insult to both these wonderful storytellers and filmmakers. But yes, Gopakumar is a guy to watch out for.

Aghavizhi is that kind of film: you either love it or you hate it. But you certainly cannot ignore it; you will surely talk about it to fellow film lovers.

Yes, you will be tempted to watch this film once again; just to make sure that you are not dreaming!

Note: Yes, I have co-written the screenplay along with Gopakumar but this review is an objective and unbiased review written as a film lover.