'Loham' is one movie which keeps you guessing till the end, but the revelation at the end, turns out to be an anti climax of sorts. Touted to be a thriller, 'Loham' had an interesting assortment of characters and situations, but the unveiling of Mohanlal's character was a disappointment, because there emerged too much contractions in what he did and preached. After all you can only judge the bad only if you yourself are good.
What works in favour of the movie is the comic flavour in the first half. The second half goes the action mode and only just about manages to interest. Though as we watch 'Loham' we are immersed in the flow of action, in retrospect there are a lot many loopholes in the plot. Take for instance, the 100 kg gold for which the entire master plan is built. Why on earth would such seasoned, big league international heist makers, do it for so less a booty? There are these anomalies in the scripting that make less sense.
The plot revolves around a gold trafficking case. A man has been murdered and his body used as a vehicle to smuggle in gold. However, the customs officer who aids in these smuggling operations goes missing. In search of him is his wife, Jayanthi Ramesh (Andrea Jeremiah). Mohanlal as Rajeev Sathyamoorthy makes his appearance as a driver who takes Jayanthi in his cab.
The plot thickens as we realise that Rajeev is not just a cab driver. There are his frequent mysterious calls and orders. He himself is looking for the missing customs officer. Rajeev's identity is in a constant flux throughout the movie. His real identity is revealed only in the end. We have as Rajeev's allies a host of characters, regular in a Ranjith movie. Their contribution in the comic department is immense and all have done a wonderful job. Only Renji Panikar fails to impress and his caricatured role is a tad over the top. Technically, the movie is well made. Sreevalsan has done wonderfully in the music department.
'Loham' had a very promising start and the Ranjith magic was evident in the first half. However, the movie leaves a lot to be desired as the plot unravels. A few criticisms are bound to happen on moral grounds too about glorifying Rajeev's character. The contradictions here can be dampening. Overall, the movie is a watchable one.rating - 2.5/5
