A Chantagem

Drishyam is one of the finest thrillers India has ever produced. And what makes it even better is that it's also a family movie. The slow(?) first half of Drishyam reminds me of old Sathyan Anthikkad movies which had the sweetness of a village. I never find it to be slow when I watched the movie again and again. Drishyam is fine wine which gets better and better. The dynamics between the family is one of the best I've seen. Mohanlal and Meena share such awesome chemistry which makes me want to watch every movie they does together. Mohanlal's portrayal of Georgekutty is one his finest works of all time. He has excellent command over his actions and even the minute actions are a delight to watch. Jeethu Joseph's writing and DOP by Sujith Vasudev are just excellent. Sujith Vasudev doesn't try to show off his skills and gives exactly what's necessary. Kalabhavan Shajon delivers a brilliant performance which people will remember forever. Siddique is excellent as always. I don't have enough words to describe how good this movie is. Just watch and experience it for yourself.

Never have I seen here in Mumbai a theater houseful for a Malayalam movie. The last time it was 60% filled was during Neelakasham... (2013).

Starting with a scene so mystic in its own way, the movie starts with a flashback. Characters are brilliantly paced into the plot as we look into a a family drama scene forming. Things go sharp & spine-chilling when a crime enters the scene. It is followed by another crime ans so on. The 50 minute second half, which is also the most engaging minutes for any Malayalam cinema this year, steals the show and keeps us on the edge of our seats as the twists come up and up and up. The screenplay is to be thanked, along with brilliant writing and narration.

Mohanlal is better in this role than his previous characters this year. His performance really pulls the audience towards him. Meena was a real treat and boy, can she act so wonderfully. Kalabhavan Shajohn is the real hero of this film which talks about a family's plight & tactic when one of the member's sanity is compromised. His performance, his air, his priceless countenances all are so pure, I was taken aback. He can pull off both comedic & serious roles with finesse.

The adult jokes and how the stereotype of a typical family has died in this age of money and money is purely showcased in the dialogs. Sufficient humor, jaw-dropping climax and brilliant storytelling. It also questions justice and what a person should do at times like this. Although, the plot constantly makes the family look as protagonists in spite of their crimes and falsely guides us what it intends to show us. But if you look closer, you will realize the climax answers all the questions about righteousness. Drishyam does not tell you how to act during brutal crimes, but it finely creates a hell of a story of the vicious happenings around us.

Every single department is to be thanked, especially, art, location, lighting departments. The final output is full theater halls, favorable reviews and remake rights requests.

BOTTOM LINE: If you haven't watched it yet, now is the time because it is still running in theaters. Probably one of the best movies this year. 8.5/10.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Profanity: No | Vulgarity: Mediocre | Sex/Porn/Drugs: No | Smoking/Alcohol: No | Violence: Critical | Gore: Mild

What make the movies Shawshank Redemption, Next Three Days and Ocean's Eleven great thrillers and what drew fans worldwide to the TV show Prison Break… These are all stories about a master plan, a master plan to do the impossible and its flawless execution considering every little details. Except George Clooney's Daniel Ocean all the protagonists in above movies/series were simple men. A Banker, a School Teacher and an Architect with no criminal history. They lived their normal lives until they were forced to do the impossible. George Kutty's story go by the same logic. If I dare compare Dhrisham to Shawshank Redemption (which incidentally is my all-time favorite movie) not much need to be told about the quality of the script, the direction and the performances. Dhrishyam is Mollywoods entry to world class family thrillers. For the entire second half of the movie Malayalam Cinema was elevated to the class of Hollywood. We had several art films or those parallel movies to brag about, but until Dhrishyam not many thriller or family drama type movies of Malayalam could have been called world class. Though the last 15 minutes of the movie went very predictable, Jeethu has managed to keep his audience at the edge of the seat for more than an hour and except die hard Mohan Lal haters, who would be too intimidated and upset for all wrong reasons; it's hard to find anyone who may complain about the movie.

Proportional to its output I don't watch anything like enough Indian cinema - but when I do I'm always reminded to watch more and this is a great example why. Taking some time to generate traction and with a runtime a little longer than you're used to, the final hour is well worth your patience and perseverance, as the plotting and scheming spirals towards its climax. There remain a few leaps of faith you have to contend with, some violence in scenarios not reflecting my reality, but they are easily forgiven for the great acting, imaginative storytelling and in anticipation of your next film from India.

A family, their joy, their pain, their emotions, and their struggle. There are nail-biting scenes that will blow your mind. There are sizzling moments which makes you think overnight. There are Heartbreaking plot twists which makes you upside down. This is an amazing story. A great movie which can be included in the top of any lists. Jeethu has proved his ability once again. And, of course Mohanlal proved once again he is the real 'superstar' of the industry. This movie has some great performances. This is Mohanlal at his peak, Jeethu Joseph at his best. The rest of the crew especially, Meena, Siddique, and Kalabhavan Shajohn, they seem really bonded to their respective characters and are really amazing. The movie can be considered as the best of this year. This is really out of box, and i am completely out of my words.