A novel depiction of lives of professional thieves in Kerala, Urumbukal Urangarilla is a comedy drama that slowly turns into a thriller.
Sad-faced Manoj (Forrt) is looking for a job in the city and aspires to become a thief. A meek bystander introduces him to Benny (Jose), a clever and artful thief who has started a family based on his measly earnings. Benny takes Manoj under his tutelage and teaches him the basics of being a thief and where to look for the stash in modern homes. The first act is mainly about exploring these two characters and a family consisting of an aged couple.
As Manoj learns the laws of the trade, Benny finds out (before we do) that his intentions are totally different, and thus, the comedy turns into a tragedy, eventually ending up as a cold revenge drama.
I say novel because the writers' approach in terms of storytelling is fantastic. Apart from executing a non-linear screenplay, the writers successfully manage to maneuver the audience's attention to the significant parts. First the couple, then the thieves, and then again the couple. Cast do a very good job at portraying the characters which are flawed and idiosyncratic in their own way.
Coming to the disappointing factor: the transformation of a comedy drama about thieves into a revenge thriller. That is where the film went off for me personally because while I was enjoying the chronicle and inside story of how thieves think and work, I suddenly felt robbed by the protagonist (pun unintended) as he spurts out his real intention. But of course, the thriller act is entertaining.
BOTTOM LINE: Urumbukal Urangarilla is a good effort from an emerging director and can be enjoyed with your family, because it has both: the laughs and the thrills.
GRADE: C-
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Gore/Violence: Medium
