Baba Kalyani Review

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
It is one of those films that failed to get a good word from critics but is doing very well at the box office all over the state. But critics and the audience agree on one point though- Mohanlal is the only factor that makes the film worth watching.

The film is very special because, though Mohanlal plays a larger-than-life role, he doesn't exhibit any mannerisms or mouth loud dialogues to portray his character. Still, he is able to convey the strength and essence of his character.

He is Baba Kalyani, a sincere, intelligent and hard-working officer of the Anti-Terrorist wing of the Kerala Police. During his investigations, he comes across a terrorist plan to explode bombs in Kochi and create unrest in the city. His big task now is to thwart the plan.

Baba Kalyani has a very reliable team consisting of Thomas Chandi, Aniyan and Faizal, played by Biju Menon, Freddy and Ajay Jose respectively. His first task is to take the DGP into confidence. Soon the DGP gets him and the team transferred to Kochi . Baba Kalyani becomes the Commissioner of Police of Kochi.

Mohammed Haji, a reputed social worker, is their main suspect. He is popular and has high-level political connections. His son, Zaheer Ahmed is a college professor and also is actively involved in pumping fake currencies into the economy. He also provides shelter and cover for ISI-trained terrorists in the city.

Mamta Mohandas is Advocate Madhumita, whom Baba Kalyani is in love with. Frankly, this story has nothing much to do with the film's flow.

Action shifts to Palani, Tamilnadu. The professor and his terrorists-associates have planted car-explosives in the holy shrine of Palani. Baba Kalyani has to race against time to diffuse the bombs and catch the terrorists...and the film's end reminds us of Keerthichakra.

In fact, lot of things about the film reminds us of Keerthichakra. Something about the film gives a strange feeling that you had seen it all before. Indrajit gets to be the main villain. Problem is- the villain doesn't look that convincing or strong enough to oppose Mohanlal.

Music is good but the placement of songs is annoying.

Plus
Mohanlal
Shaji's cinematography
Rajamani's background scores.

Minus
A strange resemblance to Keerthichakra

Direction : Shaji Kailash
Music : Alex Paul
Cast : Mohanlal, Mamta Mohandas, Indrajit, Biju Menon, Jagadhy and others.