The raw and edgy surface of Tinu Pappachan's Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil takes the front seat in his attempt to describe a classic jailbreak recreated using elements that we have seen before. It is not Anthony Varghese, who plays a patient convict eager to escape prison, nor his co-stars who shine throughout the film, but the gritty actions and stunts that fill this envelope made of superficial aspiration. I understand what the makers wanted to develop here, and considering that I finished it with some interesting takeaways, I can say they succeeded. Coupled with hitting rock music, unconventional cinematography, and a basic non-linear narrative, director Pappachan etches a story that is run of the mill but does it in a way that will entertain the hell out of you. I was enthralled by the way the characters talk, using slangs and deadpan expressions like they are talking at a tea stall on a Sunday evening talking shop, or rather how they were made to talk by Pappachan. Which is why I have given at least one extra star here for the brilliant effort. I was hooked for more than two hours in the film, but then was a bit disappointed in how the thriller ends. Even if I do not talk about the multitude of plotholes, Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil still remains a film far from perfect. But, hey, it is a rare try at a jailbreak film in Malayalam cinema, which is why it comes highly recommended. Watch for the rawness of jail life, amazing performances by Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, Rajesh Sharma, Sinoj Varghese, Vinayakan, and a couple new faces, and the brilliant soundtrack. TN.
