For his child he is always a super hero, a great father; but in our society there are certain elements which make the super heroes hang down their heads. From child abuse to rape those fathers are supposed to stay numb in front of their girl child. This movie ‘The Great Father’ will give goosebumps to all super dads who care about their child. Haneef Adeni has made a sensible movie. And Mammooka is back with a bang.
In ‘The Great Father’, we can see a Mammootty who is stylish and don-like on one hand, and subtle and a caring family man on the other. And yes he wields a gun, wheels his car, sports a stylish look complete with a sunglass and has a heavy tread. What more would one want. One cannot slot this movie as a typical one for the fans or too intellectual for the serious viewers.
‘The Great Father’ has a very relevant social premise – one of pedophilia. The interesting thing is that Haneef has approached this topic in a very non-preachy and unconventional manner doing away with the idea of ‘victim’ and unwanted sentimental drama. When Mia (as a counselor) says nothing that happens between the navel and knee can take away anything from the child, we cheer for this kind of sensibility. The crassness of the media in dealing with such issues is also questioned. Another interesting character is that essayed by Arya. The rough and tough police officer that he plays at times brings in the comic element and at others is heroic in itself. That call from the Joker and Arya’s nonchalance is class. The dynamics between Mammootty and Arya is entertaining to watch. Sneha as the loving mother and professional doctor is good on screen.
The way we are taken to the villain is impressive. There is that amount of hatred for the antagonist which is palpable. Yet the lack of melodrama is refreshing. Anikha as the father worshiping daughter is great in her role. There are many heartfelt moments in the movie between the father and daughter. That helpless feeling when David finds his daughter in the lift or the lack of the usual goodbye routine or the happy times.
The movie can be said to be a thriller and the progression of the plot is impressive. So is the script. There are the entertaining elements one feels surprised to find in such a serious subject. Technically too the movie is sound. Music is especially good and the BG by Gopi Sunder just adds to the movie’s feel and tone. That rawness for the villain and the heroism for the lead actors are deftly brought out through the music.
The class of Mammootty’s acting, a sensitive subject told in a sensible and entertaining manner, and class direction by newbie Haneef Adeni is sure to entertain viewers. This one is a must watch this season. And of course, all dads out there will surely to cheer for this Great Father!
