At last, Malluwood can boast of a film that parallels national standards. A language that celebrates the working of nation's best cinematographers, editors, artists and directors , just couldn't make any better in Malayalam, largely due to stringent budgets and little shoot dates. But here in Keerthi Chakra. Major Ravi has identified how to make it big with limited resources, except in the talents of artists. This must definitely prove an eye opener to other film makers who fear to take up vivid subjects apart from family sagas, fearing commercial failures.
How a former army personal can make a non compromising, sporty, realistic film with crowd pulling entertainment values is what Major Ravi has shown with his debut venture. This could be even make envy to the regulars in the industry who has been making F3--formula family films for more than two decades. Proving to be an effective story teller and a crafty film maker, the film and the director holds the viewers till the end with very little short comings.
The film tells an interesting bondage shared between the Chief of a commando force and a Havildaar, who braves the bombs and bullets of the heartless, recidivist jihadis in Kashmir valley. The film which dwells with the happenings in Kashmir has been powerful enough to essay the messages every army personal finds necessary to tell the people of the country. The director has very well focused to mix up his values of film making and the messages he is tring to put forth in a well compassionate manner, with out giving way to glorified nationalism.
Mohanlal brings out another best this season, as Major Mahadevan, the head of the elite command force comprising of brave men, who gives up any thing for the nation.They are always there in the place of action where the jihadis try to disturb the peace and harmony of the valley by causing explosions or extortions. Popular Tamil hero Jeeva appear as Havildar Jayakumar, a trusted buddy of Mahadevan, who works in tandem to lead the activities of the command.
When terrorists plan to strike at the famous Hazrathbal Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, Mahadevan calls back Jayakumar who is just on his honey moon days. As these men plans and executes their ways to prevent the attack and a mass massacre, Their lives are also under the edge of danger. Shooting in the sensitive areas of Kashmir and also a few scenes in LoC and Afghanistan, Ravi with his poignant shots conveys a strong message to fight terrorism unitedly.
As Major Mahadevan, Mohanlal is a perfect fit. The commando training that he had undergone before the film, has shown itself making his body language and his expressions very true to life. Jeeva also in an equal role with lal shows his potential in a role of substance. Gopika and Lakshmi Gopalasamy makes brief appearances. Also in the cast are Biju Menon, Swetha Menon, Shammi Thilakan and Haneefa.
One of the major highlights of the film is the songs and catchy rerecording by Joshua Sridhar, who give the heartful for a trendy edge of the set thriller. However the real hero is the gripping editing and the Thiru's cinematography. The beautiful landscape of Kashmir has been captured in all grace.
The film is definite to win laurels from the critics and the masses same time, as they couldn't have expected anything so powerful in Malayalam. The film gives the feel of fine thrillers of the south like Kakka Kakka that malayali had always dreamed to have made in their home language. This technically sound, visually striking Flick largely based on reality is sure to become another trendsetter, which will herald the era of fast paced techno savvy films in Malluwood.
