- Date of Release: 15 July 2022
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: Malayalam
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
Ela Veezha Poonchira
Introduction
Onto the final release of the weekend and I still have a couple of releases to cover, it has been that kind of a weekend! With that I finished watching the new Malayalam film Ela Veezha Poonchira which has finally started to stream on Amazon Prime. Almost right throughout the second half of last year, I had been reviewing a lot of Malayalam content on my Youtube Channel ‘Popcorn Reviewss’. Yet, I was constantly bombarded with a recommendation to review a Malayalam film which hadn’t premiered on any OTT platform then. The film was Ela Veezha Poonchira and the recommendations have kept pouring in even at the time of penning its review.
I must be honest, I knew nothing about the film apart from the fact that the film was penned by the writer of Malayalam films like Joseph and Nayattu. I did not know the plot of the film and I did not intend to as well. The hype on my channel was such that the expectations had been raised to a whole new level as far as Ela Veezha Poonchira was concerned. So then does Ela Veezha Poonchira manage to meet my sky high expectations, lets find out!
Story & Screenplay
To avoid any spoilers, I would wish to keep the story of Ela Veezha Poonchira under wraps. But all I can say is that the writers have tweaked a simple and straight forward story into something which is layered and goes beyond the realms of any conventional thriller! The screenplay does ensure that this is a 104 minutes of high quality Malayalam cinema, something that I have adored and cherished.
If ever one needs to study on how a location can fuel the narration of the drama then you need to watch this high quality thriller. The opening shot itself, of a dog sniffing away on a hill only to find a dismembered hand lying about sets the tone perfectly for the drama. But what is a perfect Malayalam screenplay even without a proper world building tagged to it. Here, you are introduced to the protagonist who has to make his way up the valley to a remote wireless police control room. The sheer effort on his part, overcoming several hurdles along the way related to the landscape of the area does translate into the first 20 minutes of the film. The valley did play an important part with respect to the terrain and the slow leisurely drama establishes this fact really well.
The proceedings are an absolute slow burn in what can be termed as a simmering narration. The loneliness angle highlighted along with the plight of the police officials manning the wireless control room is so well showcased here. There are a few stray incidents that take place, some with a tinge of humour that eventually does have a payoff towards the end. Yet towards the halfway mark, the unassuming drama does shift gears slightly with an investigation underway.
The revelation early on in the second hour does make for an interesting cat and mouse saga as well as a survival thriller with the viewer’s loyalties directed towards one character. This is completely turned on its head towards the dying moments of the film that really made my jaw drop although the reasoning was slightly convenient. The subtly dark theme at the end was disturbing which did ring in a twist at the end which did showcase the brilliance of the writing. Overall, the screenplay here is an absolute masterclass in utilizing a location to the fullest and weaving a very unassuming thriller in the process.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational with a great use of silence that does add to the atmospherics of the drama. The BGM is subtle yet impactful. The cinematography had such a beautiful location at its disposal and the wide angle shots are beautifully captured along with some interesting mid shots that add texture to the drama. The editing is spot on and it made the drama quite organic. Director Shahi Kabir does an incredible job in weaving a solid revenge drama veiled as a layered and unassuming thriller. I was thoroughly invested in the drama and for that the direction deserves distinction marks.
Performances
The performances are top notch here. Jude Anthany Joseph as Prabhu does have his moments to shine. Sudhy Kopa as Sudhy is phenomenal to watch particularly in the secomd hour where the sympathies are always with his character. Soubin Shahir is such a prolific actor and here as Madhu, he is outstanding in every sense of the word. He had to internalize his role before bringing outba sinister version of himself and how brilliant was he! All other actors are good too.
Conclusion
Ela Veezha Poonchira is 104 minutes of High Quality Malayalam Cinema that comes with my highest recommendation! Available on Amazon Prime and Highly Recommended!