"Masterpiece," starring Mammootty, is an action thriller that, despite its grand title, falls short of delivering a compelling cinematic experience. Directed by Ajai Vasudev, the film revolves around Edward Livingston (Mammootty), a college professor with a tough, no-nonsense attitude, who is drawn into a murder investigation that takes place within the campus. Unfortunately, the film doesn't live up to its potential, earning it a low 3/10 rating.
One of the biggest drawbacks of "Masterpiece" is its predictable storyline. The plot follows the usual template of a campus action drama, where a heroic figure steps in to bring justice and order. The murder mystery at the center of the film lacks depth and intrigue, with most of the twists feeling forced and unconvincing. There's little in terms of innovation or fresh ideas, and the audience can often see what's coming from a mile away.
Mammootty's screen presence is, as always, commendable, and he delivers his role with the expected intensity. However, even his strong performance cannot save the film from its weak script. Edward Livingston is a one-dimensional character, defined by his swagger and strength, but lacking any real emotional depth. The film tries to project him as an invincible hero, but this over-the-top portrayal becomes monotonous after a point, leaving little room for character development or nuance.
The supporting cast, which includes actors like Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Unni Mukundan, and Poonam Bajwa, is underutilized. Many of their roles feel like mere fillers, with little contribution to the main plot. The characters often appear in the background, without much significance, which makes it hard for the audience to connect with or care about them.
Another issue with "Masterpiece" is its excessive reliance on action sequences. While action can certainly elevate a film, here it feels overdone and unnecessary. The fight scenes, though choreographed decently, are repetitive and take up too much screen time, detracting from the storyline. Instead of adding excitement, the overemphasis on action makes the film feel longer and more tedious than it actually is.
The film's pacing is also problematic. The narrative drags in several places, particularly during the second half, where the story loses momentum. Scenes that could have been trimmed or left out entirely are stretched out, making the film feel bloated. Combined with the lack of a gripping plot, this leads to a viewing experience that can feel more exhausting than entertaining.
The technical aspects of the film, such as cinematography and music, are average. While the college campus setting is visually appealing, the film doesn't make full use of it to create any real atmosphere or tension. The background score is loud and overpowering in some scenes, which further reduces the impact of key moments.
In conclusion, "Masterpiece" is a film that promises much but delivers little. It attempts to be a larger-than-life action thriller, but the weak script, lack of character depth, and excessive reliance on action sequences ultimately let it down. Even Mammootty's star power can't redeem the film, which fails to engage the audience on an emotional or intellectual level. While there are a few entertaining moments, they are too few and far between to make a lasting impression, leading to a disappointing overall experience.
