"Nothing Left To Make Movies On." That is apparent from this film, or should I call it a farce? I had expectations from Unnikrishnan after his previous film, Grandmaster had managed to charm. Mohanlal, on the other hand, has lost his skill of reading a script. Films have all been reduced to just pomp and glamor, evident from the most recent Mammootty box office bomb, Gnagster.
If I had to describe the film in one word, I would say: ANNOYING.
Because the film kick-starts with an ear-shattering number enacted by Mohanlal as a singer. Bollywood one-film-old actress Manjari Phadnis dances to his tunes which is supposed to be a fusion of pop & reggae music, but the final result is a genre of pure static. After succeeding in allaying the audience's excitement, the plot starts rolling. About a conman who has no regards to his different faces. He is accompanied by Vijay Babu & Phadnis, two of the most unprofessional helpers I have seen on-screen.
Then comes the actual story of some king's palace where kilograms of precious stones are locked in a dungeon. The family who owns the palace has internal tiffs while Mohanlal is assigned a job to rob it all. There is gaping plot hole here (which I have mentioned in the "Goofs" section of this movie's page on IMDb). Then characters are introduced, while simultaneously slow-mo shots of Mohanlal walking, smiling, fooling around and speaking out witty remarks are shown; this takes up 20 minutes of the whole 2-hour parade.
The story is ridiculous: a mixture of clichéd heist flicks and plot points reminiscent of Prithviraj's flop film, Robinhood. The use of CGI and high-tech, if was supposed to charm, also fails because the characters seem to have no idea as to what they are dealing with. The villain in here is a real joker: from his appearance to his characterization to his strategies. In order to bring out a thrilling experience, the writers have sampled 2-3 twists which are so predictable that a 5-year old beside me guessed it halfway into the film. Then, there is the emotion-melodrama factor, thanks to Mia's character.
The only thing I loved was Siddique's portrayal; he is captivating. Supporting cast is fine. The humor is very petty, referencing Mohanlal's airs in his past films. Many dialogs are even copied from yesteryear films (Ustad Hotel). There are 3 highly irritating songs stuffed between the narration which made me yawn at least thrice. And not to talk about the useless rap the BG score accompanies. I now wonder what has happened to Malayalam cinema? A mockery in the name of new-wave nonsense?
The last 20 minutes are hopeless and while it could have saved the shindig from destruction, it quickly modifies to self-immolation as the audience realize that the film has no relation whatsoever with the word "FRAUD."
BOTTOM LINE: Mr. Fraud has nothing in its kitty to boast off. Maybe, the makers thought style, glamor & the idea of robbery would stick a punch to the audience's thirst. But I am sorry to say, that it stumbles in its own grave, face down. And Mohanlal's last personality certainly earned him few giggles. It was a faux-pas, trust me. Do not waste your hard- earned money on this even if you're a die hard fan. Rather, re-watch Mohanlal's classic Nadodikattu!
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
