Pani OTT Releases On SonyLIV: Here's What Netizens Said About Joju George’s Directorial Debut

Joju George, celebrated for his compelling performances in Malayalam cinema, steps into the director's chair with his latest venture, Pani. This film not only showcases George in a pivotal role but also marks his debut as a writer and director. Despite George's commendable attempt, Pani reiterates a narrative familiar to the audience, wrapped in a tapestry of violence and action. The film unfolds in Thrissur, introducing viewers to Don and Siju, two young mechanics embroiled in a web of crime following a contract killing that propels them into the murky underbelly of the city's gangster life.

Pani gravitates around a plot that is hardly novel, echoing the tones of numerous revenge dramas that have preceded it. George's foray into direction and scriptwriting brings an intense gangster flick to the screen, yet it treads a path well-worn by its predecessors. The narrative centers on the lives of Don and Siju, who, after committing a murder for quick cash, find themselves entangled with Giri, a notorious don, and his wife Gouri. What follows is a series of events that unveils the brutal realities of gangster life and the complexities of their relationships. Despite the film's predictability, George's portrayal of Giri adds depth to the story. As Pani has finally witnessed its digital release on SonyLiv, here's what the audience have to say about the film.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, a user wrote, "Just watched #Pani on sony OTT- what a phenomenal action thriller! Hats off to the incredible director Joju George and the entire crew for delivering a seat-edge experience. Your dedication and hard work truly shine through.A must-watch! #MalayalamCinema #ActionThriller". Another user called the film 'below average'.

One of the users also tweeted, "#Pani Really liked this one, the way the thrissur gangs portrayed & the way the characters established without any slow-mo or buildup shots is what I loved the most. Logic issues there, still as a movie it engage till end, the two boys are deadly. @JosephGeorge07 superb direction"

Meanwhile, during his conversation with Gulf News, Joju spoke about donning the director's hat for the first time and stated, "Directing was always a lifelong dream. There were many instances where I could have directed earlier, but opportunities to act in films like Joseph took precedence. When the chance came to direct Pani, I knew it was time. It was a test or like an entrance examination -not just of my filmmaking skills but of everything I've learned in my life. Bringing Pani was one of the biggest creative gambles of my life and career. But I had a strong team who believed in me and they put their best into it. I set out to make a mass commercial film and I succeeded"