Nayakan

After a long time period it seems Malayalam cinema is back in action. Most of the recent released films lacked the content in it. But debutante director Lijo Jose Pellissery's Nayakan is an extra ordinary one with a new impact on the audience. One cannot claim it to be a perfectionist film , although its an effort from many newcomers and a new face of the actor Indrajith.

Bsically Nayakan is a revenge story on the backdrop of the Kerala art form Kathakali. Indrajith plays the role of a Kathakali artist Varadanunni, who takes to revenge on the mighty dons there with the help of an ageing don Vincent Karanavar (Thilakan) and his daughter Maria (Dhanya Mary Varghese). The use of Kathakali to narrate the story has been a new concept and the director has been successful in winning that part. Choosing right from costumes to the characters that Varadanunni chooses to play, there are some links that gives an altogether different mood.

The story has been divided into parts like Purappadu, Kelikkai, Thodayam and Kalasham. The first half of the story seems to be an interesting as well as a one with a best format. Although its an already seen concept, it is implemented in a different manner. The second half seems to be a bit dragged one and lengthy too and seems to have lost its grip.

Indrajith's performance as Varadanunni is one of his finest performances that need an applause. He has toned his body quite well to suit his role perfectly. It's a pity that such a talented actor is not used very well by the filmmakers here. Thilakan' performance shows why he is still the adorned actor in the industry. Siddique is good at times, but then, it's his lengthy role and confusions surrounding him portray weak links in the whole film. The director's brief role and a brilliant performance by the actor who plays a brash cop are the highlights of the film. Heroine Dhanya Mary Varghese fails to impress with her acting though she looks quite beautiful.