Fiery and gripping, there is a certain feel that campus politics evokes and director Tom Emmatty has mashed up all those accompanying emotions beautifully in 'Oru Mexican Aparatha'. Anyone in Kerala can relate to the campus politics here. And this relatability is manipulated brilliantly. For the current generation, it would be a living experience and for the elders it would be a nostalgic feel. The political rivalry, the commanding power of the leaders, firebrand demeanor, college love, activities at the college and of course fights - 'Oru Mexican Aparatha' has it all.
The story opens with the murder of student leader of SFY, Kochaniyan, by the police during the emergency era and zooms in to the present. The movie is set in Maharajas college, Kochi. The college union is headed by KSQ with their firebrand leader Roopesh (Roopesh Pithambaran) guiding his lot. Their influence everywhere in the campus including during college fests, union election, hostel and even the canteen is shown. Subhash (Neeraj Madhav) is assigned to set up a base in the college for the SFY. As a student leader with strong ideals, he just owns the screen. He and his friend Paul Varghese (Tovino Thomas) strive to bring in the change and there begins the political rivalry.
The first half sets up the arena for what is to follow. It is the second half that grips the viewers. The movie has its share of thrills, humour, and romance. The treatment is realistic and the plot which unfurls is believable. Tom Ematty sure has chosen a subject that is gripping and identifyable. It is with wonder that we watch the performance of the team. Tovino as the introvert student who transforms himself into a powerful firebrand leader is simply outstanding. He has pulled off the role with grace and ease. Neeraj Madhav too shines as the idealistic student leader. Roopesh Pithambaran also plays the antagonist with finesse. Gayathri Suresh has done what is required of her in the little screen time that she has.
In keeping the frames realistic, cinematographer Prakash Velayudhan has done well to bring the spirit of campus life and politics to life. Music is again great and Manikandan Ayyapan has gotten the tunes right. The movie has been written by Jude Anthony and though the plot is thin, the spirit is evocative. Shameer Muhammed's editing is graceful and jolts only where intended. Though the movie has its share of ribaldry including bitching about girls, and usual jokes undermining black colour, they are never glorified and goes with the flow of the narrative. Again, only a faction of the vast campus is pictured in the movie and the waves of political change is not shown gripping the rest of the campus. But the climax after the election makes up for it. Also, it does not only glorify the leftist outfit but also points to some areas in their functioning that needs to change.
'Oru Mexican Aparatha' evokes a spirited and thrilling feel. This campus movie with its comrades and thrills is a good enough entertainer. Also watch out for Tovino Thomas in the days to come.
