Eesho

The oddly-titled Eesho benefits from the solid performances of Jayasurya and Jaffer Idukki, but the storytelling style is a major letdown. The script doesn't carry even a tiny bit of suspense, and the average thriller-viewer should be able to decipher every twist and turn in the plot very easily. Nadirshah harks back to a hot button issue he presented in his first film Amar Akbar Anthony, and this time, chooses to give it a more serious treatment. But Eesho fails as a thriller because its plot beats have absolutely nothing new to offer. Roby Varghese Raj's visuals give the night scenes a very saturated look, making these portions somewhat more interesting (at least to look at!). Rahul Raj's score is strictly average.

If the movie was released is 2018 or earlier then it was perfect as the script feels too old. The plot of the movie is also predictable from the start itself. Acting vice all actors did a good job but the execution of the movie is poor and old school. It is a decent one time watch movie and does not contain much thrill or plot holes and even if there are some they are predictable with no jaw dropping scenes but nothing illogical. Run time of the movie is also not bad as there are no unnecessary waste of time and everything is to the point and keeps us engaged in the movie even though the plot is predictable.

Suspenseful thriller, good for a one-time watch. Quite easy for one to guess the ending of the film. We might feel the plot was lost in between but maintains it almost ok till the end. Climax is not that great and could have made much better. Acting was average, we have recently seen better one's recently from Jayasurya and Jaffar idukki. Disappointed that few of the scenes were very irrelevant to the plot, but added for giving small roles to actors. Namitha pramod looked out of place for her come back movie. Film is only 1 hr and 45 minutes, still time is spent in showing news clipping not very relevant to this film.

Comedian-singer turned filmmaker Nadirsha had a promising start as a director in Malayalam, delivering back to back superhits in the slapstick comedies "Amar Akbar Antony (2015)" and "Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan (2016)". The talented auteur has however, hit a bit of a rough patch off late, with "Mera Naam Shaaji (2019)" and more recently, Dileep-starrer "Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan (2022)" coming across as dull affairs, panned by critics and fans alike. It is perhaps because of this that he pivoted genres, moving away from his trademark comedies to a broodish, atmospheric thriller in "Eesho" that is alas, watchable only in parts.

National Award-winner "Jayasurya" stars as the eponymous "Eesho" a mysterious truck driver who chances upon a seemingly chance encounter with the night watchman of an ATM, Ramachandran (Jaffer Idukki) after his vehicle breaks down. Ramachandran is coincidentally, the star witness in a scandalous rape case with the main accused being an influential businessman. With his life under constant threat and his key secret testimony set for the next morning, how the duo navigate the trials and tribulations that come their way on this fateful night form the rest of the story.

Sub-par filmmakers mistake subject-oriented films for just being preachy vehicles where they can shamelessly push their ideas and propoganda. While the film's heart is in the right place, talking about child abuse, the way it is presented comes across as inorganic and contrived and the dialogue resorts to mere sermons for long stretches. Jayasurya and Jaffer Idukki are both seasoned performers and excel in their roles, but the writing is unable to match up to their levels in many places.

Eesho's predictable plotline is another major eyesore, with the so-called twist in the final act obvious to the audience from the get-go, not providing any real surprise element or thrills requisite of a well-made thriller. Nadirsha has made a brave attempt in going for a genre he is not well-versed in but is unable to backup his novel idea with immersive writing in an era where Malayalam is churning out superb thriller like "Attention Please (2022)" and "Bhoothakaalam". You can watch "Eesho" for superb performances from Jayasurya and Jaffer Idukki, for there is not much else to savour. The film is now streaming on SonyLIV, in its original Malayalam as well as in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada dubs, all with English subtitles.

Nadirshah is a familiar name to Malayalee who appreciates humor and parody. When he started making movies few years back, naturally we expected the genre which he is well versed with. However, in Amar Akbor Anthony, he told us a story which was of social relevance, and it was appreciated. Now again Nadirshah has come out with another subject socially relevant today - Defection of witness is cases especially in high profile sexual abuse and murder. Movie is a very good watch and leaves an impact in minds of general public. Role of Jayasurya is not a challenging one for him though there are instances where he has done exceptionally well. Notable character is Jaffar Idukki. Over last few years he is becoming one among the finest actors of Malayalam industry. I won't be surprised if he bags a state level award or national award soon. Director has left some room for suspense but not to the level of a thriller. Background score is soothing though I have felt that the music of the only song is a repetition of director's older movies.