Malaikottai Vaaliban

It took me a good 30 minutes or so to get sucked into the mystical universe of Malaikottai Vaaliban. Still, once I did, I'm guessing I enjoyed it more than 90% of the audience.. gauging from the varied reactions at the cinema hall. This film marries the sensibilities of a large-scale Puranic opera with the narrative style of a Kurosawa Samurai flick and the visuals of a Sergio Leone western. Since we've seen how much the hype train has damaged a Mohanlal film in recent times, I chose to largely disregard the "claims" made in the promotional interviews in the run-up to its release. And that helped. Knowing I had sat down for an LJP directorial was enough assurance of the film being inherently unpredictable and not your regular fast-paced crowd-pleaser.

This helped me appreciate Madhu Neelakantan's postcard-like frames a lot more (especially the extended static shots that bored most viewers). Yes, they did feel as overindulgent as LJP's use of slow-motion in the action blocks. But I was already sold. This bizarre universe, its distinct plot developments, and oddball characters gradually grew on me. The sudden shifts in tone (from soapy to violent to farcical to philosophical), Prashant Pillai's use of folk instruments to underline some of the set pieces, and even the stupid love-plus-revenge-triangle in the second half, which normally would have killed even the tiniest bit of interest in me - I was able to digest most of it. That said, I did not feel vehemently connected to any of the characters including the protagonist, and it was the aura created through sheer audio-visual magic that kept me fascinated.

Malaikottai Vaaliban heavily invokes the feeling of reading an Indian comic book based on local legends, and LJP has tried to play it to his strengths. It hasn't really fired on all cylinders, but I'd still appreciate him for not half-arsing it. The work of the art & production design departments is essential in letting you connect with the lore of this particular land. P S Rafeeque's writing works when it's busy building to a key moment, but is archaic as hell when it revolves around the tropes of romance or lust. The female characters (and the transwoman), especially, are poorly etched. The colonists are too caricaturish, reminding you of LJP's own Double Barrel. When the film finally poses a pertinent question on an indomitable warrior's existential crisis, it gets too busy building to a sequel that may not even happen. Argh, why even bother?

This film takes its time to settle in due to its normal pacing and drags around a bit after interval. But thats ok since they went into the classic story telling routes of the 70s. Vaaliban has Mohanlal in a strongman avatar which he convinces with ease. The fights are unique so is the brilliant score from prashant pillai. Great cinematohraphy from madhu neelakantan. It was a treat to watch on the big screen. A different but surely watchable flick from the director. All casts are fantastic with lal, hareesh and danish sait doing the major performances. This may not a usual watch so be warned as its quite different kind of genre... To be precise.. Its genre less as said by the director.

Saw the film yesterday. Was quite surprised seeing the backlash criticising the film. This is a quintessential LJP film. If you want to see Mass Mohanlal movie then this is not one. Beautifully shot , each and every frame is spectacular. Have not come across a Malayalam movie shot like this in the past.

Its shot like a play giving it a Shakespearen touch and second half is enthralling and will give you a feel of Clint Eastwood+ Tarantino style filmmaking and ending on a great note.

A bit slow but enjoyable fare.

Do watch it in theatres. Ignore the silly stupid criticism that's pulling the movie down deliberately.

It is a LJP film that uses Mohanlal in an apt manner as a Mallan.

Soundscape was impressive with it's subduedness. Rustic dated instruments.

Movie is designed as a fable tale, aligned with the subject. Lot of care has gone into all the technical aspects to bring in visual and sound frames that capture the canvas of the movie.

Unfortunately, the subtitles spoiled some of it. Tasteless bland font did blemish all the care that went into the costumes, art design, landscape, language, sound work.

Mohanlal has done excellent action work for his age. Action is very artistically done - blending in story telling, sound design, costumes, action choreography, art design.

Mohanlal has sung couple of songs which he should not have done. His singing does not suit the ambience of the movie. Too timid for the all powerful protagonist.

The story line had fable-like quality to it, and reminded me of Aitihyamala stories. There were a few dragging spots in the script. Build up for the second part was good but also felt a little made up.

Cinematography and lighting work has been excellent. There was a painting like quality to the frames as opposed to the overly stylish and loud style that is typical. Same holds for the background scores. Careful thought out work.

The movie excelled in many aspects. Subtitles was the one thing that disappointed. There were spots where subtitles showed but dialogue did not come out. Now that is a mistake. I would have stylized the font to match the canvas.

The language use in the songs and dialogues have been kept folk like, and unembellished.

Not a movie for everyone. There is enough art to appreciate here.

What If Quentin Tarantino made an Indian movie ? Yes. That's exactly what "Malaikottai Valiban" is on screen.

Brilliantly woven piece, the movie begins where you think it ends. The amazing plot twist will keep you in edge of the seat. LJP's story telling is always unique, the Malaikottai Valiban is like a video game, where you finish one lever after other each one more daunting than the previous and at the end one final big mission which looks impossible with an absolute plot twist.

The movie is filled with wide angle shots and landscapes, Madhu Neelakandan's cinematography is really brilliant. I loved it personally.

It's not a movie for Mohan Lal's fan, it won't have extravagant intro, it's a movie made according to what the story really wants and that makes the movie absolutely a masterpiece.

Danish Sait will bag multiple awards for his role for sure, and I have no doubt it. You can see a director's real talent when you see Danish acting in this movie.

Overall this movie is an art of Indian cinema, LJP has done it again.