Ee Adutha Kaalath

The lives of six get intertwined. As simple as it may sound, there is an underlying complexity in this, which makes this for a compelling watch.

The real success of this movie lies in the fact that no one really is the hero, or, if viewed from a different perspective, everyone is the hero in his or her own niche. Everyone is given a fair amount of importance which leaves no character in the blue.

As far as the acting goes, Indrajith and Murali Gopi shine and tower above the rest. But Baiju and Tanushree Ghosh work wonders and have been able to strike a chord with the discerning viewer! The director has also managed to extract superlative performances from the others.

The credit must go to the mastermind Murali Gopi and to a certain extent Arun Kumar Aravind, who have, without exaggeration, have crafted a masterpiece. The ease with which each the plot is untangled leaves one dazed.

Shehnad Jalal's cinematography may not be the best but it is good and the visuals are very soothing to the eye. Multi narrative screenplays demand top notch editing and that is exactly what the director, who has edited the movie himself, provides. With his interesting narration and editing Arun Kumar Aravind has given the best solution to the Rubik's cube-like screenplay (there are several references to the Rubik's cube in the movie).

An intriguing movie that will make you laugh, cry AND think.

Only flaw that was annoying more than anything was film's length which could've sorted out with clever editing. Film is about a lives of many people with different lifestyle and how their life get tangled with each other effectively conveyed through multiple narrative narration. The usual problem with multiple or hyperlink narrative is that they test your patience for awhile and ultimately rewarded as it reaches culmination(everything would be settled in its place). I believe all the actors have performed their roles perfectly. Standout performance seems to be coming from Indrajith. Murali G as a angry frustrated man was convincing. Other actors like Anoop menon, lena, Jagathy, Tanushree ghosh, Nishan etc done their part well. Although Tanushree lip syncing was a bit let down. None of the songs made an impact albeit background music was apt and perfectly placed. On technical side they should've trimmed the length. Pace of the film was making me yarn throughout. Second half was better than the first half. Overall film is a likable fare. Rating : 7.1/10

Director Arun Kumar Aravind has come out with his second venture "Ee Adutha Kalathu" and the screen play is written by Murali Gopi for whom this is a second endeavour as well. The movie comes to the theaters today and narrates the strange realities of life in a big city. Vishnu, the protagonist, played by Indrajith is an all purpose utility man: he collects rags, he is in great demand by cricket teams for his unorthodox hitting, he is an errand boy and many other things. He is also a loving husband and an indulgent father. Ramani, his wife, played by Mythili, does not think too highly of him and justifiably so. He has an ailing mother and two charming daughters. In short, they are the typical struggling family living in the city and off the city. And trying to keep the wolf from the door! In the process, they have to fight off the loan sharks as well. The movie is full of interesting characters who are unveiled as in a fashion show. Madhuri (Tanushree), an ex-actress with a few B-grade Bollywood movies to her credit, lives with her husband Ajay Kurien(Murali Gopi) and eleven year old son Ayur. Madhuri maintains her stunning good looks even now. And she is a kind soul. Ajay Kurien is a self-made person coming up the ranks and presently working as the Chief in a city hospital. He learned his trade in Mumbai and is proud of his feat and knows how to get around in a city. Ayur is mad after cricket and spends time trying to solve the puzzle of the Rubik's cube. A serial killer is lurking in the streets stalking his prey. Rustam (Nishan) has come to the city on a contract and lives in a rented room among the migrant workers. He is dashing, drives around in a bike and speaks Malayalam in bits and peaces. He is a dazzler and a scoundrel. Anoop Menon is Tom Cherian, the Commissioner of Police. He is an aspiring cop bent upon earning name and fame and for him, the end justifies the means. And his love Roopa, played by Lena, is equally ambitious as a no-holds-barred journalist. "Ee Adutha Kalathu" revolves around these characters and how they cope with the strange realities of life in a big city. Indrajith is subtle and classy and Murali Gopi is as good in his acting as in his script writing. Anoop Menon confirms his rising stature as a star, with a scintillating performance. Jagathy Sreekumar has done justice to his role. Nishan is impressive. Among the female stars, Tanushree with her glamorous looks and lucid expressions has left an indelible impression. Mythili as the fiery wife and Lena as the journalist have portrayed their characters vividly. Gimi George and Baiju have not disappointed. Arunkumar Aravind has created a different movie, relevant, yet attractive and the technical excellence has to be appreciated. The visuals by Shehnad Jalal are of high quality and helps in improving the quality of the film. Art by Jothish Shankar tasty and refined. Gopi Sunder's music is pleasing and catchy as well. The same could be said of background music. As the story unfolds on the screen, we watch the people helplessly caught up in mazes and puzzles in their journey through life and trying to unravel the mysteries. Joy and sorrow, anxiety and humour, fear and courage, we witness the different emotions and the different ways of dealing with them. There are plenty of loops and turns in the story but there is an element of credibility in them all and the viewer's intelligence is taken seriously by the film maker. Coupled with the all round performance of the actors, "Ee Adutha Kalathu" is a remarkably refreshing and sensitive movie making a candid statement of life in the cities.

Verdict: Excellent !

8 Points to note before watching the movie -

1. Movie becomes interesting only after 90 minutes.

2. Fab India, Domino's Pizza and Coca-Cola get publicity.

3. Nishan's character is creepy even to someone gay.

4. Karthika Balachandran and Dia Handrich play pivotal and uncredited minor roles in this movie.

5. Jagathy's character could have been played by a newcomer coz does not make a difference.

6. Why did Gimi George agree to do this movie?

7. Murali Gopy's doctor(?) character is frustrated coz he is unable to perform since many years.

8. Lena's wig is cheap and tacky. A feminist (a pseudo-feminist as well) does not require a 'boy-cut'.

E ADUTHA KAALATH ( 2012 )

Saw this.. The story of the society at present, life of people at present.. Not so great.. average script and 'lots gone wrong' Direction makes this un impressive in the first half. Second half is better and engaging though not so great. Dubbing has flaws , acting of one or two not good .. But there are many good things also.. INDARJITH and JAGATHY masters their role perfectly. So is the stylish BG SCORE by Gopi Sundar. Fortunately the director himself was the editor. So lots of his own flaws he has hidden cleverly .. A nice attempt to create something different but it hasn't come out well..