Angamaly Diaries

Watched this movie three times, each with different groups of people. Unfortunately none of the groups was impressed with this movie, but I loved it - better each time.

People dislike this movie for its foul language and general rowdy sequences. But I loved the movie because of how the scenes are intelligently connected to each other and how the director has extracted the best out of the actors. Everyone has acted well. Special mention has to be given to Antony Varghese and Sharath Kumar, but all others (Lichi, Pepe's sister etc) have given their best in their roles. I think the credit must go to the director.

Only during my second viewing did I notice that the climax sequence was one single shot. It is absolutely brilliantly done. It is amazing how naturally the actors join and leave the scene, slowly building up the tempo. Almost like watching a moving play. Those who haven't watched the movie - pay special attention to the sequence. It is a treat you don't want to miss.

It is good to see that this movie was received very well and has received many positive reviews. I was kind of disappointed that the people that I watched the movie with were not impressed. I guess I watched the movie with the wrong crowds :)

I seem to have missed something in this movie that everyone else seems to see and love. The cast and the acting were on point (especially considering it was debut roles for most). I loved how it isn't one big sugar coated- it is real, raw, and unflinchingly bold. However, at some parts i was cringing at what seemed like a farrago of violence (that was getting really redundant), crassness and some more violence, with the essence of a real plot somehow missing. Even after finishing 3/4th of movie, some part of me was still waiting for the story to begin- or at least take a twist. It wasn't my cup of tea, or maybe i just had too much expectations. Nevertheless, the technical aspects of the film was remarkably good! :)

Angamaly Diaries is a festival from the very start where we are introduced to a man called Kaadu (Forest) Benny a goon who eats snakes and takes a quotation from a gay man owning a accessory shop for ladies. The best part is that this character has no significance and exists only in this scene. This is just one of the many colorful characters in this beautiful, violent, badass movies. The quotation he takes is of our heroes and the introduction scene has the most enjoyable fight scene with the hero dressed as Jesus along with his friends dressed as other characters beating up people in a bar with the band version of a SPB song playing in the background.

Angamaly Diaries is about the Palliyangadi team, a group of people in Angamaly doing small businesses, getting into fights and enjoying their lives. Similar to Ray Liotta's character in goodfellas there is Vincent Pepe, a boy fascinated with a gang, and the movie goes on to how he forms this ragtag Palliyangadi team with his friends. The movie focuses on how his life takes a turn after he gets himself into a pork business where a problem happens.

More than the script, the movie works because of how unconventional the setting is where we meet characters with monikers Appani, Pork, 10ml, U- Clamp out of many. None of the fight scenes have any mass associated with it, on the other hand these are fight scenes where the hero comes out more hurt if anything. The actors especially Sarath Kumar and Tito Johnson as Ravi and Rajan are delightful in their absolutely local, gritty avatars. The Pallingayadi team itself is an eclectic mix of people with Pork Varkey , 2 Martys and a Bheeman.

Overall, Angamaly Diaries is that movie where you would enjoy every scene for the fast cinematography, realistic acting and the most energy filled fights which after seeing you feel like breaking the bones of every person you see.

"Sorry guys,No plans to change,No plans to impress"- These words from the side of Lijo Jose Pellissery after the debacle of his experimental flick "Double Barrel" released in 2015 was the testimony of a director's faith in his creativity and vision which he has showcased yet again with this brilliantly crafted gangster flick that's a director's entity right from the word go Brimming with raw energy at each moment of the narrative,'Angamaly Diaries' is a gripping tale of rivalry between two local gangs from the town of 'Angamaly' that manages to shed light on the lifestyle and culture of the small town in central kerala in the most efficient manner an auteur can imagine.The daily life,food habits,local festivals all gets to be a part of the focused narrative by Lijo that's devoid of any stereotypes that one expects from a gangster flick in general.

Humor is not something that one associate with a gangster flick,but 'Angamaly Diaries' is more delightful on this regard with ample dose of light-hearted and even rib-tickling natural comedies that are utterly realistic and easily connectable for the audience.

Chemban Vinod Jose's screenplay is tight and filled with such realistic humor,romance,grudge and revenge,mixed effectively to make it a wholesome meal that you cant resist.Each character of the film is perfectly written and makes an impression with their peculiar characteristics,likes and dislikes that creates huge space for blending different emotions proficiently.

Now coming to the best part of the movie,- "Casting and Performances"! 86 newcomers -u kidding?? May it be the lead hero 'Vincent Pepe' played by Antony Varghese or U-Clamp Rajan by Tito Wilson,the performances were stellar and genuine which will make anyone fall in love with the characters in no time.The lady characters were all good,particularly 'Lichi' played by Reshma Rajan that felt so genuine and lovable.One particular performance to be noted is that of 'Appani Ravi' which was portrayed eminently by newcomer Sarath Kumar.

The single-shot climax that extends to 11 minutes was a treat to watch and brilliantly shot by Girish Gangadharan who deserves a special mention for handling the particular shot and the bounty of fresh frames that made Angamaly Diaries catchy for the eyes.There weren't any notable negatives except for occasional lags that are negligible.

Songs and Background score by versatile composer Prashant Pillai was a stunner and filled with raw tunes that suited the narrative to the fullest.The song bits were efficiently placed by LJP and took the narrative forward well.Cuts by Shameer Mohammed were sharp.

Overall,Angamaly Diaries is a hearty gangster drama with originality in narration.

Final Verdict::"Angamaly Diaires",'The light-hearted Kammattipadam' of Angamaly is a stunning gangster flick with bounty of terrific performances and directorial brilliance that makes it an affair not to be missed from the silver-screen.Make sure you catch this #Kattalocal treat in a cinema near you at the earliest!

LJP is at his best . Do watch if u like realistic stories .