Alibhai - Review

By: Settu Shankar
Monday, August 20, 2007

After the blockbusters like Aaraam Thamburan and Naatu Raajavu, the Mohanlal-Shaji-Antony trio is back with Alibhai.

Right from the introductory scene to the climax, the director has made the character of Mohanlal stick to a particular image like Superstar Rajinikanth. The story of Alibhai is simple with enough mass masala elements.

Alibhai (Mohanlal) is the King Dadha of Palayam market, Kozhikode. He is the unquestionable hero in that area and savior of the poor and downtrodden. Ganga (Gopika) and Chenthamarai (Navya Nair), who sell flowers in the market are crazy about Alibhai, but he has no time for romance because he devotes all his time fighting for the cause of the people.

In his past, Alibhai had some bad experiences with his devils Siddique and Aryaman. They wanted to drive out Alibhai from the market and build a shopping mall with the help of local politicians. At one stage, they planted a bomb and killed many of his friends and neighbours. Alibhai got hold of them single-handedly and became the godfather for that area.

The hero's introductory scene is very much impressive and it would please every Laletan fans. The notorious villain hijacks a private bus in the busy Kozhikode market road, with an aim to kill the hero. The hero's sandals are shown in a close up, as he jumps on to the footboard of a speeding bus. The very next moment, the director shows the much-relieved passengers with villain being thrashed by the hero.

It is a tailor made role for the veteran actor who plays the character of Alibhai. He has played with so much ease and style. His typical costume- white dhothi, rolled sleeves shirt and twirling moustache portrays the image that he is the son of the soil. In this film Lal also uses punch dialogue like: Bejarakathe Koya (in a typical Kozhikode slang).

Though the movie has all the necessary ingredients to sustain as a mass entertainer, it lags in few areas. This action film has lost momentum due to lack of romantic and comic elements. Heroines Gopika and Navya have nothing much to do in the film. There is no logic in the story of the film.

Mohan Lal is the strength of the film with flawless action. The film is all about his heroism and direct interaction with the viewers and his fans. It seems that the success of superstar Rajinikanth's films in Kerala has made an impact on the filmmakers and viewers to produce films like Alibhai. Other actors like Jagadheesh, Cochin Haneefa, Sudheesh, Shammy Thilakan, Ganesh, KPAC Lalitha also have done their part sensibly.

The climax fight scene (Shot in Binny Mills, Chennai) with the main villain, is the highlight of the film. There is nothing impressive or novel in the music of Alex Paul. The camera work of Saravanan is excellent especially action scenes. Don Max's editing has made the film racy.

Alibhai is surely a treat for die hard Mohanlal fans!

Verdict: Entertainer!

Credits:

Producer: Antony Perumbavoor
Director: Shaaji Kailash
Cast: Mohan Lal, Gopika, Navya Nair, Jagdishan, Cochin Haneefa, Sudheesh, Shammy Thilakan, Ganesh, KPAC Lalitha, and Antony Perumbavoor.
Camera: Saravanan
Music: Alex Paul