Thondimuthalum Dhriksakshiyum

Thondimuthalum driksakshiyum is one of the best malayalam movies made in recent years that is successful because of its brilliant script and poignant performances from the entire cast. This film is extremely realistic and builds upon situations that we come across in our daily life. The characters are very well-written and well- acted that they stay with us even after the movie ends. Biggest credit must go to Fahadh Faasil for yet another superb performance which is one of the best in his career and the way he changes our view of his character at different points in the story is just wonderful. Suraj Venjarammood shines in a very serious role and proves yet again that he deserves more serious roles like this. The debutant Nimisha Sajayan has also done justice to her character. What made Dileesh Pothan's first film "Maheshinte Prathikaram" successful was the way humour was managed in that movie without any kind of artificiality. That kind of Basheerian humour which arises out of realistic scenarios and without any kind of gimmick is again seen here which makes this film very entertaining. The focus of the script and the intensity is never lost in any part of the film thanks to Pothan. He must also deserve credit for the way so many new actors are used in the police station scenes and the acting by Alencier and other policemen are extremely natural. The script written by Sajeev Pazhoor is tight and never loses focus at any point in the movie. In fact one of the best things about this film is the use of very short dialogues in some crucial scenes which reveals so much about the characters and their motives without useless blabber. I rate this film 10/10 & hoping for more good realistic films like this rather than over-hyped masala movies.

Dileesh Pothan's second venture (after the critically acclaimed 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram') turns out to be yet another excellent character study. The film builds itself up slowly yet steadily, with an assortment of characters each with their unique set of traits and sense of humor. At 2h 15 min, not once does the film feel like a drag. The viewer is constantly kept on toes with each passing scene. Kudos to the excellent casting choices by the crew. 'Thondimothalum Driksakshiyum' boasts of excellent all- round performances from the entire ensemble which comprises of a few seasoned actors such as Fahadh, Suraaj and Alencier while a good number of supporting actors are all newbies, just as in 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram'.

It would seem disparaging if I don't intend to applaud the extremely grounded and realistic portrayals of some of the characters such as the culprit who is handed a punishment of bringing water to the station, the Sub Inspector, some of the Constables, the cop who always walks around in mufti (plain clothes), the Circle Inspector, the shopkeeper and so on. Each character leaves a solid impression on the viewer.

Fahadh's intro is cleverly executed (his expressive eyes convey a lot yet can hide even more!). His character is constructed in a manner that is supposed to leave the viewer slightly baffled. Pothan ensures that he does not spoon-feed the audience in elucidating the various character arcs, instead leaves the job of construing behavioral traits and motives to the viewer. Laugh-out loud moments ensue when Alencier and Fahadh take centrestage during the interrogation scenes. The revelations made are so interestingly packaged that they seem both hilarious and believable at the time.

Suraaj and newcomer Nimisha Sajayan who play Prasad and Sreeja share good on-screen chemistry as a run-away couple who get embroiled in a chain-snatching case where Fahadh's character (another Prasad) is the accused. What's additionally worth noticing is the brilliant social commentary it makes on the side, while the story keeps moving forward. Instances of mob frenzy, caste discrimination, land disputes and scams are also inculcated neatly in the screenplay (penned by Sajeev Pazhoor). Dialogues by National Award Winner Syam Pushkaran are able to strike a chord with the viewer instantly. The initial scenes of how a case is handled at the police station tend to remind the viewer of Nivin Pauly starrer 'Action Hero Biju'. But the similarity is only in the setting; the treatment is completely different.

Rajeev Ravi's cinematography adds a dash of pragmatism to the scenes. The sepia color tone blends with the mood of the flick almost perfectly. Music and BGM by Bijibal is minimal yet effective. It is also quite intriguing to observe that the viewer is able to associate better with the comportment of each central character (especially the victim, the witness, the cop-in-charge and the accused) by the time the credits start to roll. Even the supposed exhibit (a necklace) has a specific purpose. A minimal dose of artsy ambiguity only helps.

Alencier plays A.S.I Chandran to perfection while Suraaj puts on a mature show (unlike what's usually seen of him). Fahadh lends an eerie air to his character retaining a sense of delightful mystery throughout. 'Thondimothalum Driksakshiyum' is a must-watch. Keep shining Pothetta!

This is an almost genius piece of film making. Dileesh Pothen's 'Maheshinte Prathikaram' brought Fahad Fazil back into the fold in a big way but it was a movie which grew on me, after being a little underwhelmed by it on first viewing. But here, he grips you from the start and never really lets go till the end credits roll.

Fahad Fazil continues his fine form, but I would consider him to be more of an admirable supporting foil here. The movie's main protagonists are the couple played by Suraj Venjaramoodu and newcomer Nimisha Sajayan. After a realistically humorous mix up on first meet, they have a furtive romance before tying the knot. While traveling in a bus, a thief (Fahad Fazil) is caught in the act of stealing her gold necklace. While she is adamant that she saw him gulping it down, he protests his innocence to the police.

In fact, I would say it is the scenes at the police station that elevates this film to another level completely. The brilliance of the narration is in the way it makes everything seem so utterly realistic, and yet peppy and satirically humorous in its enactment on screen. The police officers here are not black or white, but like most people occupy the gray area in between. While genuinely wanting to help resolve the conflict here, they also cannot help but try to twist things to suit their perspective at various points in the story. The resolution when it eventually comes is probably the best they could have done with this wacky beautiful film.

Performances are uniformly brilliant. Suraj Venjaramoodu has been finally stepping away from his trademark buffoonery act in recent times, but this has to be one of his finest roles. The utter realism he brings to screen of a common man stuck in a little bit of a muddle and trying his best to resolve it is exemplary. Nimisha Sajayan maybe a newcomer, but she seems perfect for this – again a realistic blend of spunk and sass, yet vulnerable to the events around her. Suraj's chemistry, both with her and with Fahad Fazil is another clincher – it couldn't be better. The police officers, led by Alencier Ley, are all obviously fine actors who have got roles to shine and grab the opportunity.

Movies like this don't come along often. When they do, they deserve every accolade and recognition they get. A must MUST watch.

Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum (2017) : Brief Review -

Fahadh Faasil runs absolute RIOT in Dileesh Pothan's instant classic of human derivation. What a film and what a performance by Fahadh Faasil! This is easily one of the most innovative and exciting storyline came from Malayalam Cinema in the last decade. No hard-core drama, no emotional fetching but all it has got is pure realistic sense of human nature and our law system. Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum is about Prasad and Sreeja who enter wedlock and move to a new place to continue the rest of their lives. Unfortunate events begin to take place after Prasad, a small-time thief, robs Sreeja's gold chain during a bus journey. The police investigation follows only to make things uneasy for everyone included there. A small idea of chain thief could get such a big amount of cinematic content, i wouldn't have believed it if someone has told me but now i believe because I have experienced in the last 125 minutes i spent watching the film. Sajeev Pazhoor's excellent writing deserves all the praise for making every character look rich despite unwell scenarios. At one moment you feel angry at him but later you start loving his wrongdoings, how? That's the power of writing. That's the skills of a writer to grab you completely over the narrative with the help of detailed characterisations. Fahadh Faasil appears little late but what a mind-blowing performance he has given. Absolutely riot. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha also leave an impact with their adorable chemistry. Lopez sir shines like a star in the crowd, that luminous thing in the sky. Dileesh Pothan has made three films till date and i have seen all three of them, so i have no second thoughts on calling Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum as his Best Film So Far. That's it, that's all i guess. A deserving and real Classic, unlike some of those overrated fanboys material.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

When a simple plot is presented with impressive film making skills, then you get movies like Thondimuthalum Dhriksakshiuyum( The mainour & the witness). The film starts off with a normal pace but due to an unexpected event, the movie follows a different direction and ends in a unique way. Malayalam movie makers are day by day improving their skills in screenplay & cinematography and this film proves it to be. The characters in the movie have done a great job especially Fahadh Faasil has given one of the best performances in his career. Another special quality is the fahadh's unique character; he is a thief with a different mindset & has his own philosophy in life. The music has also been uniquely crafted. If you believe a film doesn't win through a simple plot, go check this out.