Pani

Pani (2024) aka The Job "A Truly Stunning Thriller"

Pani is the directorial debut of Malayalam Actor Joju George, who had started his career as a struggling junior artist. The journey from his early struggling days, from a Junior Actor to becoming a leading Hero, later to a Producer, Writer and finally to a Director, is a testament to the growth of a passionate artist, as showcased in Pani.

Watched the Telugu dubbed Version. Pani tells the unsettling story of a Big shot whose life went upside down when he accidentally crosses path with two low life youngsters, who turn out to be brutal criminals.

With great cast and great technical team, director Joju has crafted a gripping thriller. For an actor making his first directorial debut, it would have been safer to choose a Hit Remake film, much like Kamal Hassan did with his directorial debut Chachi 420, remake of Mrs Doubtfire, or simply he could have opted to build a film around the stardom of a superstar, as Prithviraj did with his debut Lucifer. But Joju simply went for a risky character driven thriller uniquely written for Antagonists.

This is one of those rare movies where the Villains were written so brilliantly that such roles turns out to be pure gold for any aspiring actors. And the newcomers in the movie portrayed these roles exceptionally well. The phrase 'A movie is only as good as its villain' truly holds true in the case of Pani.

As a director, Joju had the freedom to boost his Hero image incorporating with unlimited hero-centric, Hero elevation scenes, slow motion Hero shots, Mass dialogues, dance and songs. But he chose to shy away from such gimmicks, focusing on the character driven story arc. It's a remarkable directorial achievement for an Artist like Joju to make such bold creative decisions, avoiding the commercialization of a revenge storyline.

Don't know why some people bitiching about the violence in this movie. I found it to be very low and soft on violence even for a U/A rating. The version I saw didn't have any sort of mature scenes, nudity, or any graphical frightening shots.

A hard rating "A certificate" is more suitable for Tamil movies like Maharaja, which deal with high octane violence and intense subjects like rape. It's high time the SIMP GENERATION people should really stop bitiching about hard hitting movies, and really appreciate the effort taken by the makers to pitch such strong subjects.

Positives - The Story, The Tone, The writing, The Treatment. Also the night Photography, this is one of the rare films that captures the charm of thrilling Night shots so effectively. The way it was lit, especially in a thriller, those vehicle shots, rigging for vehicles is another art, shout out to the cinematography team, hands down one of the best experience. And above all, the direction, I don't know whether it was Joju George or his associate teams - the true Author of this film, who ever pulled this off, deserves an award.

Negatives - The third act feels a little lame, could have ended on a stronger note, also the makeup for one of the villain on second half, that fake moustache feels out of place.

I give this movie a deserving 8/10. Waiting to watch the original Malayalam version in OTT just to cross check if any violent scenes were edited out in the Telugu version.

Absolutely stunning Movie. Must watch movie. People often glorify western crime movies and when it comes to Indian movie a lot of controversial things happen. The team of Pani really deserves an appreciation. It really takes guts to make such movie. Really an awesome movie. This movie creates a tension all along till the end . Cool cinematography and direction with excellent bgm raises your BP and makes you fully involved and energetic All Car races stunts are Awesome The team has done justice to movie This Movie happens in Thrissur and team Pani tried their best to visualise it.

Great Work team Pani.

Pani (Work) Malayalam Movie Review *

Directed by Joju George and starring himself alongside Sagar Surya, Abhinaya, and Junaiz VP, this film delivers despite its familiar storyline. It tells the tale of two young individuals who become a thorn in the side of Thrissur District's notable figure Giri, and how Giri navigates this challenge.

While the narrative may not be unique, Joju George's skilled direction and apt casting selections make the movie engaging. The screenplay is well-paced, preventing lag and culminating in an impactful interval block and climax. 🔥

Noteworthy performances come from Sagar Surya and Junaiz, who evoke fear and convincingly undermine Giri's morale. Joju George delivers a comfortable performance within his range, while Abhinaya provides a solid portrayal of Giri's wife.

Overall, Pani is a commendable watch on the big screen.

Joju George, a celebrated actor who rose from being a junior artist to one of the most versatile talents in the industry, makes a powerful mark with his directorial debut, Pani. This film isn't just another mass entertainer-it's a testament to Joju's years of experience, dedication, and his unique perspective on storytelling.

Right from the opening scene, Pani grabs your attention with its raw intensity, setting the tone for what is to follow: a gritty tale of revenge. The "eye for an eye, ear for an ear" narrative is executed flawlessly, pulling viewers deep into a world driven by vengeance and justice. Joju's attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the stunning visuals to the immersive sound design, creating a cinematic experience that's both visceral and engaging.

What stands out the most in Pani is Joju's ability to breathe life into each character. His own performance is nothing short of spectacular, reminding audiences why he is one of the most respected actors in the industry today. The supporting cast complements his vision, contributing to a rich ensemble that elevates the film's emotional weight.

The action sequences are a visual treat, choreographed with precision and executed with brutal realism. But it's not just about the action-there's a depth to the film that speaks to Joju's understanding of human emotions, relationships, and the darker side of justice.

With Pani, Joju George has not only crafted a mass entertainer but also cemented his place as a formidable director. His storytelling prowess, combined with his seasoned acting skills, makes this film a standout in the genre. It's clear that Joju has created a brand for himself-one that promises intensity, authenticity, and unparalleled entertainment.

This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a film that offers more than just thrills. Pani is a reflection of a seasoned artist pouring his soul into his craft, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Pani is a cinematic work belonging to the action crime thriller drama genres, under the direction of Joju Jeorge.

The film's narrative is focused on the character of Giri and the relationships he shares with his family and friends. The characters, namely Giri and his associates, wield considerable influence within Thrissur City. The film's narrative is set against the backdrop of the quotation gangs that operate within the city, with Giri and his allies exerting a significant degree of control over these groups. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Giri's wife is assaulted by Don Sebastian and Siju, a newly formed quotation team that rapidly ascends to prominence. The primary motivation for their actions is a desire for retribution against Giri for publicly humiliating them. In response, Giri and his associates endeavour to apprehend the assailants. However, the aforementioned individuals proceeded to inflict further harm upon Giri's associates. This culminated in the murder of one of Giri's closest companions and injuries to his brother-in-law and mother. The assailants then surrendered to the police. However, Giri was able to apprehend them and subsequently killed them.

The narrative is of a moderate and established nature. The direction, however, is commendable and adheres to established conventions. The performances of the cast members are noteworthy for their commendable quality. The cinematography and musical scores are of a high standard. The film is therefore considered to be of value as a one-time watching experience.