Thira

Thira is undoubtedly one of the better movies released in 2013.It belongs to thriller genre,not the usual suspense thrillers you see in malayalam.The story is not what we haven't heard or seen before but the treatment is quite different and interesting.Director Vineeth has improved a lot from his previous outing tattathin marayathu.This is his best work so far IMO.In this genre,Director has to work a lot to satisfy the audience.Inspite of flaws in the script,the movie has come out as a decent thriller which deals with the issue of human trafficking.

The story goes like this.Rohini is a cardiac surgeon who also runs a welfare home for women.She is dealing with the mystery behind her husband's death.Things go haywire when the girls at her welfare home is kidnapped by some people and she is on the run for bringing them back.On the other hand,Naveen is on his way to meet his sister only to witness her kidnapped right before his eyes.At some point,these two characters meet and together they set out to recover the girls.clearly the storyline bares some similarities to Taken about the kidnapping but it ends there.The movie also shows how the so called police and law enforcers shows its back to common people when there is a problem Shobana returns to the silver screen with an electrifying performance as the bold Rohini.Although she did a small role in Sagar alias jacky,it was rather unwanted.She proves again that she is one of the best heroines in malayalam.The media,which has been giving cheap publicity to those heroines whose expressions makes you just throw up seems to have forgotten about the veteran actress.The film did require an actress of her calibre and she just provide that.Dhyan gives an okay performance even though in some scenes like the one he shouts at the policeman went slightly overboard.His action scenes were good.Rest of the cast doesn't have much to do.Most of them are not familiar figures in malayalam.Despite being a malayalam movie,malayalam dialogues are few.Subtitles are provided for Hindi dialogues though.

Camera work was rather irritating at times due to the camera shakes.Soundtrack was refreshing with teerathe neelune track at the titles and Thaazhvaram song near the end.Background music was in fact a part of teerathe neelune track which worked well at parts.

Script has some flaws but direction has been able to overcome that to an extent.The first half was pretty racy and enthralling.The second half however slows down a bit even though its engaging towards the end.There are some things in store at the climax for the sequel.

Thira is not a must watch or magnificent flick.Its worth a try for those who like this genre.

In a day and age where domestic violence and violence against women are at large and far-flung, topics like rape, assault and sex trafficking are still considered to be a taboo on screen. Agreed, its a sensitive topic to be visually presented but its high time that the mold be broken, especially in Malayalam cinema. Pardon, my knowledge regarding Malayalam movies tackling similar topics, but I found it amusing that Thira handled the genre pretty well.

Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, Thira tells the story of Dr. Rohini Pranab who's on a race against the clock when some of the girls she'd taken under her wing, gets abducted. Herself caught neck-deep in a conspiracy and accompanied by Naveen whose sister got abducted among the girls, the plot moves at a brisk pace from start to end.

A ravishing Shobana makes a come back in the shoes of Dr. Rohini Pranab. Shobana effortlessly plays the character which screams for an applause. From a sincere doctor, to a caring social activist and at times adorning shades of power and intimidation, Shobana does shine in her role. There was this particular scene where Rohini, amidst all the troubles she's in, returns to the hospital for a surgery. While the distinct line ain't anything new, it tremendously reminded me of a scene from Sangeeth Sivan's Nirnayam. Vineeth's sibling, Dhyan Sreenivasan, despite the initial and occasional nuances of a newcomer, stands out with a commendable débutante performance. While Deepak Parambol who played the very amiable youth communist, Manoj in Thattathin Marayath was menacing and nefarious as ever as in this one.

The visuals were all exquisitely shot and is worthy to be labeled 'grim and elegant'. While the movie had tense moments, it lost some in its second act and the chases were a little less adrenaline pumping but it served the purpose of thrilling you. Complemented by an excellent soundtrack Thira is bound to keep you on the edge of the your seat till end.

My only qualm was regarding the linguistic choice that happened throughout the movie. I take it that it was to make it accessible for a wider audience that Hindi was prominently used, but its ever too hard to digest when localites as well as other characters spoke such fluent Hindi.

Just like Vineeth's previous Thattathin Marayath, Thira doesn't break any new grounds but a Malayalam movie almost on the same page as a Hollywood thriller is something that deserves more than a clap, a standing ovation maybe? Being the first in a planned trilogy and ending in a cliffhanger, it remains to see if the sequels would pack the same punch, nonetheless Thira was an entertaining ride from start to end. I watched this just after Philips & The Monkey Pen and I am rather glad at how Malayalam movies are getting out of their banal, cozy family soap/romance couches.

Excellent job by Vineeth Sreenivasan. As we already knew that its a trilogy, its obvious that the climax of this first part will end up in some suspense..! and yes, its deep..! now eagerly waiting for the next part. :)

And about Shobana ma'am, simply Wow! brilliant acting. Dhyan was also good in the movie.

The movie plot is good. Relates to current affairs

And the next remarkable thing about this movie is its background score. Awesome work by Shaan Rahman.

Well done Vineeth, expecting more from you

Thira is a crisp thriller movie that stands true to its genre with no pretensions. Nothing is contrived and nothing forced as the movie sets off on an unwavering course at breathtaking pace from start to finish.

Premises are dark, and the theme brutal, as women trafficking forms the crux of the film; where the lowly protagonists cross swords with the powerful giants in shadows. The versatile veteran Shobhana leads the pack of actors with an inspiring portrayal of Dr. Rohini Pranab, while the débutant Dhyan pleases with a mature performance, that was unexpectedly and most surprisingly not lost in the shadows of a much acclaimed actress. Casting is superb with generous array of new faces, that fits even little roles like a glove. The camera, the colors and the music (Splendid work by Shaan Rahman) blends seamlessly with the film adding to the atmosphere.

On the downside the film though fast paced, is merely a point to point chase with directions at each point for the next destination; and barring a semblance of a curve; lacks genuine twists or turns. On a lesser note, Shobhana's hoarse whispering and exhalations do tend to tire ones ear towards the end.

The brilliant screenplay and exemplary direction carries off the movie with aplomb and the ones who looked in for a taut thriller are left savoring a chilling recipe with content.

This film is underrated!

Shobana and Dhyaan are so apt for the roles. Such a different story for a malayalam cinema.

It was fast paced unlike normal malayalam films. Seemed to be a tamil film. Screenplay was engaging to the end. Duration of the film is a plus.

Never expected a film like this from Vineeth. He usually presents good hearted films. This film is brilliantly handled. How come such a tragic topic like human trafficking made family friendly? Only Vineeth Sreenivasan can do it.

Watched with zero expectations but loved it so so much. Dont know why 2nd part was not filmed. Anyways a decent thrilling watch!