 It will not be a matter of debate that Suraj Venjaramoodu has been the only consistent performer in Mollywood, when it comes to funny supporting roles. Here in ‘Duplicate’ he is donning the role of the hero, for the first time in his career. Coming from the debutante director Shibu Prabhakar, ‘Duplicate’ is an average entertainer with little fun that will tickle your funny bone.
The movie has Suraj as Shivan Kutty, a jobless village lad, who finds it difficult to payback his increasing debts. He is in love with his murappennu Meenakshi (Roopashree), though his uncle Keshu (Lalu Alex) doesn't quite approve her relation with a good for nothing guy. Added to his routine of mayhem is a couple of professional killers, who runs after him due to a misunderstanding. But life turns to colourful patches when Sivan Kutty gets mistaken as Jeevan, a look alike wealthy businessman, following a car accident.
Apart from viewing Suraj Venjarammood as a full fledged hero, ‘Duplicate’ provides us with nothing that is more interesting. The actor also seems to approach the stature with little seriousness and takes little effort to give a try to prove his acting credentials, even in a double role. In fact, he is less lovable in this movie, than his smaller roles in other movies.
In ‘Duplicate’, a story line that demanded a gripping script is handled with amateurishness to end up as a wannabe comedy caper. If the makers could have attempted the movie with more passion realising the crowd pulling capabilities and potential of the actor, the movie could have ended up as a very decent entertainer. Actors like Innocent and Bheeman Reghu are also wasted in silly roles.
Shibu Prabhakar's direction and scripts by Shani Khadaer remains mediocre, though not bad. But it is high time to call it a day to the ever continuing wits and promotions on boozing habits, which gets much support from the front benchers. In every recent movies, we are getting bigger quota of wits related to social drinking.
Sham Dutt's camera and Alex Paul's music just sink with the making, though Jassie Gift's “Kakkanottam” song brings in good applause. Step into the theatres with little expectations, which may help you to find it an average movie.
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