Angamaly Diaries

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.

A new-gen power packed product basically went through the visual magnum and the cinematographic obscurities. Vincet Pepe, the protagonist himself was the narrator and he draws Angamali on his own perspectives. Lijo Jose Pellissery, the director who became adventurous with the cinematographer Girish Gangadharan and made a stunning 20 minutes single shot without cut for the climax.

First of all A big round of applause for the whole team of makers for Introducing 86 fresh new faces who have dreamed to face the camera and to make a thoroughly well acted and an entertaining film from them is no easy task and hell yeah it requires a lot of guts. The movie immerses you into this small town of Angamaly from the first frame.This movie revolves around a bunch of friends who are basically outlaws and series of unfortunate events in their lives, the best part is none of them had to act as they were literally living the characters, Malayalam film Industry get ready to witness some raw and realistic performances from a whole bunch of new talent ( since Kamatipaadam ) . Though there isn't much to say about the plot , there is a lot to experience from it's making especially the 11 minute single shot climax which is a marvel in film making . Lijo Jose Pelliserry needs to be given credit for presenting experimental cinema to Malayalam, What a comeback from his previous Collosal box office disaster Double Barrel ( Which according to me is one amongst the most technically well made movie but a failed experiment ). Chemban Vinod Jose for his tight screenplay needs to given full credit as there is pretty much lot happening and never a dull moment. Coming to the cast - Antony Varghese ( Vincent Pepe )the new kid on the block was excellent and this lad is here to stay , with a bunch of supporting casts who were spectacular in their respective roles. Special Mention to the guys playing the baddies, they were terrific . Word of caution to those people who look forward to mainstream cinema as this is not your cup of tea ,this movie is about experiencing the essence of Angamaly and its people .Verdict ( Ee katta local padam Pwolichu)

Angamaly Diaries can be described as one of the finest "Gangster" genre movies to roll of out India since RGV's Sathya. The movie captures the raw beauty of Kerala in a mélange of beautiful visuals, thumping music and absolutely raw & stunning natural acting one can see, Angamaly Diaries is one of the freshest and the most terrific attempt made by anyone down south. The story co-weaves it's magic in the local dialect, food, music and culture of the people in Angamaly to the plot, while paying careful attention to every intricate detail, thus making it an highly engaging movie.

The real beauty of Angamaly Diaries lies in its characters like Vincent Pepe, Appani Ravi, U clamp Rajan & co and their superb acting throughout the entire movie. Aided by a top notch screen play by Chemban Vinod Jose, is nothing short of outstanding.

Breathtaking cinematography & editing adds flavours to new levels of film making. Make up, costume design and production design along with shooting locations lights up Angamaly diaries to a territory only a few filmmakers worldwide can reach.

Background score reaches terrific heights to keep up with the pace & mood of the movie. Songs are of authentic local flavour and are of non filmi kind folk music which everyone would love. But the biggest credit of them all should go to Lijo Jose Pellissery who has braved all odds to deliver a spellbinding masterpiece of a movie in Angamaly diaries. If one considers the budget of the movie, it makes it that extra special.

While every moment in the film will strike a chord with not only the youth, it will make the elder viewers nostalgic with those home made cuisines, romances, which used to happen secretly right under everyone's noses.

Angamaly Diaries will take the viewers on a tipsy journey through the lives of people in the small town Angamaly and ultimately tell the youth that having fun in life is equally as significant as being serious about it, and every man will reach a point in his life, where they will have to draw the line between the two.

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 :)