Poomaram

Indians love to talk seriously and boast about their college days. When you meet an Indian for the first time, he is prone to bore you to death with his college exploits . He would give you details about frolics that you have no interest in. I guess it makes up for the lack of sex during his youth. I am only joking.

Abrid Shine (famous for directing Action Hero Biju) has made a whole movie about his college days/ memories. Poomaram is centered around a college youth festival and the competition between Maharajas college (a mixed college) and St.Teresas (a girls only college) in Kochi. And though the film is boringly blowhard at times, it is not without charm!

I remember being clueless during my college days. My classmates were mostly scumbags (showing glimpses of what they would turn into as adults) and I do not remember any of them being idealistic. But the students in this film are portrayed as being principled and idealistic, which was a bit hard for me to digest. The best moments in the film are the lighthearted ones like the scenes in the police station and the students practicing for the college fest. The worst moments are the ones where these kids whine and pretend to be idealistic.

Newcomer Neeta Pillai and Kalidasan impress as the leaders of their respective colleges. Joju George steals the thunder in his brief appearance as a cop. The scenes with him reminded me of Abrid Shine's best film Action Hero Biju. I think some of the material that Abrid Shine omitted from Action Hero Biju might have made it into this film.

Some reviewers called Poomaram a documentary. They are not wrong. But I am surprised that Abrid Shine chose a documentary style treatment for this film. There are times when he cuts loose and make things entertaining. Those were the best moments in the film.

(5.5/10)

Definitely not my cup of tea but somewhat I liked it however I can't say I enjoyed it thoroughly. Film focuses on youth festival where people from different background participate and compete against each other. If you'd participated in such events or atleast been a spectator for dental years and you've enjoyed it then this film is for you. Probably this could evoke a nostalgia in you wanting to revisit your childhood otherwise film would end up as a boring yarn. Still I would say not to leave movie without watching climax because that's the best part of the film. Climax was totally enlightening and appealing to eyes. All the actors were amateurs barring a few but have done a good job though nothing outstanding. Music and lyrics was the soul of the film and was able to convey many things that film aiming to accomplish. My personal favorite were Kadavathoru thonirapu and Neramayi. Definitely top contender for the year. Regardless of the outcome I still appreciate Abrid shine for coming up with such different concepts after every film. + ve: Music, climax, acting, some scenes were good. -ve: lethargic pace, poetic style narration could not be digestible for everyone. Had the film was told in a more engaging manner then I would've rated it high, well for now 6/10

Set up completely non traditionally this film is a little like a 'wonder years' kind of look at a college festival. For this students that's the most important thing in life at that point. Now a Jo Jeeta wahi sikander May have done a similar thing with a lot more drama and a clear protagonist etc. This film chooses no real protagonist who's eyes you see things from. And that may wear the pace down, but you definitely do get a sense of the small small beautiful things about college life and how seriously we take college fests. Nice ending. As a personal choice, I'd have wanted much less music. Began to pull away from the film.

Film tries hardly to potray the enjoyment,love,passion,Energy of kerala youth festivals......But it can't match with the experience and efforts of the people involved in those. Though Shine tries to add colourful scenes to impress viewers it don't become success. All the songs are impressive and overall film is Good, that's it.

This movie is much more than what many people saw in theatres. One the person who've went through the backlights of a youthfestival of a college will feel this movie. This is such an underrated musical classic. This movie reminds me of the old french and spanish classics. But it is a malayalam classic!