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 :)

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

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 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.

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! :)