An interesting idea may not necessary translate into an interesting film. That is what that seems to have happened with 'The metro', the new production from Dileep. Following the likes of many international films, 'The Metro' too deal with three different happenings which finally get converged into the main thread. But the movie falters at many points to end up as one that is nothing more than a regular Mollywood action flick.
The movie after a short introduction by Dileep and a very lengthy detailing of Kochi's current status as a hub of goondas (shown as a TV programme FIR, together with movie credits ,which extent to ten minutes) goes on with its three dissimilar stories- One about the daring C I Jacob Alexander's attempts to book the big goonda leader Shaji paruthikkadan (Suresh Krissna), and the second dealing with InfoPark employee Anupama (Bhavana) followed by a gang of Goondas and the third about a young gang of five lead by Hari (Nivin Pauly) who is on a tour from Thiruvilyamala to Pala to deliver a package.
The third story is the sunny part with the five some including Usman (Bhagath) and Sujathan (Suraj Venjaramoodu) taking much of the time in the proceedings. On their return from Pala after a short visit to wagamon in their old Tempo trax, they had to enter into fisticuffs with Freddy, the younger brother of Shaji. Within no time they are followed by the goonda group which force them to take refuge in the darkness of the metro city, which they don't know well. A number of twists follows, after which they are to join sides with the C I, in his fight against the baddies.
The movie which tells about the night life of Kochi has plenty of night scenes. It manages to become a engaging thriller particularly in the later half. But this 'Metro' has got its large share of flaws. The film stands on a thin, cliched storyline and the viewer can smell the structuring as a forced articulation. Quite strangely, most film-makers fails to give a proper conclusion to suspense thrillers. Here too, the conclusion lacks fizz and the wrap up is just not adequate with things suddenly turning 'filmy'. The dialogues by Vyasan Edavanakkadu doesn't rise to the needed intensity as the protagonist played by Sharath kumar is handicapped by the poor discourse which also fails him to convert his cop role anywhere near the quality of our desi superstars. The villain's motive seems so bizarre and predictable that it puts you off instantly. Besides, 'The metro' would've done without a song or two, thereby keeping its length in check.
In the technical front, director Bibin Prabhakar has used the best of the available resources. Sree Sreeram's camerawork is striking at places. Mahesh Narayanan has also applied sharp scissors in the later half, though the former half appears a little drag and animated, all through. Shan Rehman's music is sloppy, although the background score is alright.
Sarath Kumar appear restrained this time. But Bhavana is wasted with not much to do. Nivin Pauly and Bhagath are once again convincing, but Arun and Beyonne doesn't have the lines to make an impact. Suraj Venjaramoodu has a better role than his recent outings while Sureshkrissna sleepwalks as the goonda leader. The rest of the cast have not much to do.
On the whole, 'The Metro' fails to hook your attention. At the box-office, despite the presence of star-names, the fizz would be missing. It's strictly for those in a mood to catch a differently attempted thriller.
