True to the expectations on the film, veteran director Sreekumaran Thampi’s new film after a long break ‘Ammakkoru Tharattu’ is one film with that regular, predictable, age old plot that appears out of place in the new times. With a lot of moral garnishing and archaic presentation style, the movie qualifies as one that is more suited for television than one to be watched on theatre screen.
The movie has veteran star Madhu as Joseph Pushpavanam, a writer who is a much coveted name in the field of literature. Still nursing his memories about his failed love, he chose to live a life of isolation as a bachelor, while his old love Sulakshana (Sharada), once a school teacher married to a sadist , is currently finding it hard to live a contented life with her her sons and daughter in laws who hardly care for her. With the arrival of Sudarshanan (Suraj Venjarammoodu), a casual labourer who identifies his old school teacher and her life in agony, he decides to take her with him .How this finally gives chance encounters for the senior couple to be together forms the rest of the movie. Seemingly inspired by the real life story of a famous litterateur, the movie has its highlight, the comeback of one of the most cherished pair of the sixties-Madhu and Sharadha in the lead. But sadly the movie doesn’t offer any big or new vistas for the couple to perform, than stick to their regular patterns. The outright predictable nature of a lengthy soap opera theme that has been done to death is something that will turn the viewer off, while watching the movie .As usual, there are plenty of instances about moralising and sermoning on generation gaps, erosion of values and a new generation that has lost its way.
As expected from Sreekumaran Thampi, he once again impress with the musical score of the film, which is the only other big highlight of 'Ammaykkoru Thaaraattu' . With a number of imminently hummable numbers like ‘Kattum...ninte pattum’, the movie is a worthy watch for the lovers of old school of films which featue fine and catchy melodies. But the dramatic BG scores does much harm to the movie. Added with the melodramatic dialogues reminding of Black and White era, 150 minutes appear too long for a movie with this kind of tale to tell.
In the acting side, Saikumar, Mamukkoya and Indrans appear in key roles, while Suraj Venjarammoodu comes up with another refreshing performance. ‘Ammakkorru tharattu’ is strictly for those who love retro age old tales, that is told in the very old fashion.
Rating-5/10
