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.

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.

I have always liked Malayalam films for their fresh stories and novel themes. Some time ago, I watched a movie called Irratta and really enjoyed it. The lead actor, Joju George, delivered an outstanding performance in dual roles. After seeing his talent, I thought Telugu filmmakers might cast him in prominent roles, but for some reason, that didn't happen.

Recently, while browsing for Malayalam movies, I came across Pani. Seeing that Joju George was the lead actor, my curiosity was piqued. Believing in the strength of Malayalam storytelling, I decided to watch it-and it didn't disappoint. It turned out to be one of the best thrillers I've seen. Interestingly, I learned this was also Joju George's directorial debut.

The movie revolves around a peaceful family disrupted by two young men with criminal tendencies. Although the family has a background in gangster dealings, they are largely involved in settlements and avoid violence. However, their lives are turned upside down by these seemingly ordinary youngsters.

After watching the movie, I checked out a few reviews. Many described it as a routine vengeance drama and questioned how two boys could realistically unsettle a gangster family. To me, these critics missed the core idea the director wanted to convey. The film highlights a troubling trend among Kerala's youth-a growing fascination with crime as a form of entertainment. These boys aren't just committing crimes for money; they evolve into psychopathic killers who derive pleasure from violence. In contrast, gangsters like Giri (the main lead) in the movie resort to violence only when there's a purpose or reason.

The story begins with the two boys killing someone involved in a land dispute for money. The gangsters in Thrissur are shocked because they usually know if a rival gang is involved, but this time, the crime is committed by two ordinary boys. Their "ordinariness" is their greatest advantage-no one would suspect them of such audacious acts.

The main conflict arises when one of the boys tries to molest Giri's wife and is beaten up by him. This incident sets off a chain of gruesome events and unexpected murders. Yes, the director takes some creative liberties-like how these boys seem to roam around without getting caught-but that's the point. Their seemingly weak and unassuming nature allows them to go unnoticed, adding a unique layer to the story.

The movie is engaging, though I felt a few scenes were slightly slow. Joju George's acting is exceptional-he conveys so much with subtle facial expressions. Abhinaya, who plays his wife, also delivers a strong performance. The background music is excellent and enhances the film's mood. Many scenes were shot in real locations in Thrissur, giving the movie a raw and authentic feel. I'm impressed they pulled this off, especially since shooting in public places with a star like Joju George isn't easy. The cinematography beautifully captures these realistic settings.

Overall, Pani offers a fresh perspective on vengeance stories, emphasizing how today's youth are drawn to crime without fully understanding its consequences. It also explores how society overlooks individuals like these boys due to their outwardly harmless appearance. While there are a few slow moments, the movie's unique take and gripping narrative make it stand out.

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.

Pani - An eye for an eye

A solid revenge thriller with a rustic story backed by a striking screenplay and brilliant execution.

The story revolves around Giri & his aides who were keeping a low profile gets dragged into an irksome loop by two boys with criminal track records and how they take revenge forms the crux of the story.

Joju has executed the story with a strong bounded script and technical brilliance. The anxiety that was on air when the first look poster released became foolproof with the release of the visual feast. Joju has blended all the essential components required for an engaging story,be it action,romance,violence,humour, family drama,emotions,friendship which keeps the audience hooked to the movie. His 30 years of experience in the film industry has culminated this day in the form of a good thriller movie for all genus of audience. The car chasing scenes in the movie is definitely a visual treat that shows the real car guy in Joju. The tail end sequences will give you goosebumps and it will remind the audience of a typical dialogue of a Thrissur guy "Poorathinu padakkam pottanapole angu pottatte".

Subtle performances by Joju & Seema in the movie. Stunning performances by Sagar Surya as a pervert revolting guy after his impressive performance in Kuruthi and Junaiz as the silent psycho has lifted the movie. Impressive performances by Bobby Kurian,Abhinaya,Sujith Shankar, Prashanth Alex,Ramesh Girija & Ranjith Velayudhan.

Mesmerizing shots by Venu & Jinto that captured the visual beauty of the cultural heritage city and the festive vibe of the people. Big hugs to Ajayan Adat,Rajkrishnan & Piousmon for their contribution to the pleasing sounds & Santosh Raman for the beautiful sets. Ultimately, big applause to Manu Antony for giving us an engaging thriller with his precise cuts .

A cutting edge action thriller by Joju that definitely shows his rich experience and proves us wrong and keeps us thinking whether this is his debut directorial.

Rating - 3.75/5.