Movie Title | Malaikottai Vaaliban |
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Cast | Mohanlal, Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Manoj Moses, Katha Nandi, Danish Sait, Manikandan Achari |
Director | Lijo Jose Pellissery |
Producers | Shibu Baby John, Achu Baby John, Vikram Mehra, Siddharth Anand Kumar, MC Philip, Jacob Babu |
Co-Producer | Sahil Sharma |
Written By | PS Rafeeque, Lijo Jose Pellissery |
Cinematographer | Madhu Neelakandan |
Music | Prashant Pillai |
Chief Associate Director | Tinu Pappachan |
Editor | Deepu Joseph |
Art Director | Gokuldas |
Associate Director | Ratheesh Michael |
Costumes | Sujith Sudhakaran, Ratheesh Chammravattom |
Stunts | Vikram Mor, Supreme Sundar |
Make Up | Ronex Xavier |
Choreography | Samanth Vinil, Phulawa Khamkar |
Sound Design | Renganaath Ravee |
Sound Mixing | Fazal A Backer |
Line Producer | Anson Antony |
Production Controller | LB Shyamlal |
Finance Controller | Dineep David |
Stills | Arjun Kallingal |
Design | K P Muraleedharan, Vinaykrishnan, Krishna Chandran, Milan Murali |
Publicity Design | Old Monks |
PRO | Pratheesh S |
Label | Saregama India Limited, A RPSG Group Company |
Malaikottai Vaaliban: An Epic Encounter on the Big Screen
Category | Collection (in crore) |
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India | |
Net | ₹13.59 |
Gross | ₹16.99 |
Overseas | |
Net | ₹11 |
Gross | ₹14 |
Worldwide | |
Net | ₹24.59 |
Gross | ₹30.99 |
Malaikottai Vaaliban, the much-anticipated collaboration between director Lijo Jose Pellissery and superstar Mohanlal, finally graced the theaters in January 2024, stirring up a whirlwind of opinions among audiences.
This epic action-thriller, spanning a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes, promises to take viewers on a riveting journey through the life of an immortal warrior. But does it manage to live up to its grand promises?
The Unrivaled Warrior
In the heart of the film lies Mohanlal as Malaikottai Vaaliban, an ageless fighter navigating through landscapes and timelines, effortlessly overpowering adversaries with what seems like superhuman abilities.
The movie basks in showcasing his finesse through intricately choreographed action sequences, drawing inspiration from a plethora of genres like westerns and superhero flicks. The visuals unfold like a breathtaking canvas, adorned with sweeping vistas and vibrant color palettes.
The Blurred Narrative
However, the narrative structure proves to be the Achilles’ heel of the film. While the episodic nature initially tantalizes curiosity, it swiftly veers into a realm of disjointedness.
Malaikottai Vaaliban wanders through various conflicts sans a clear central arc, leaving audiences grappling to forge emotional connections with the characters or their motivations. The relentless pursuit by the antagonist feels repetitive, and the final resolution lacks the anticipated crescendo.
More Style than Substance?
Pellissery’s signature style, revered for its amalgamation of surrealism and social commentary, makes fleeting appearances throughout the film. Yet, it often gets overshadowed by the grand spectacle. While the movie flirts with themes of colonialism, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of violence, these elements remain largely unexplored, leaving viewers yearning for more profound exploration.
The Verdict
Malaikottai Vaaliban emerges as a visually captivating spectacle, propelled by Mohanlal’s captivating portrayal. However, its meandering narrative and emotional shallowness prevent it from realizing its full potential. Whether it’s perceived as a triumph of spectacle or a disappointing stylistic exercise largely hinges on individual cinematic preferences.
For those seeking a visually mesmerizing action epic, this film might satiate your cravings. However, for those longing for a narrative imbued with emotional depth and a lucid message, the yearning for more might prevail.
Additional Considerations
- Reviews for the film have been mixed, with commendations for its visuals and action sequences, juxtaposed with criticisms concerning its pacing and lack of coherence.
- Mohanlal’s performance, particularly, has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.
- The film’s extended runtime may deter certain viewers.
In the end, the decision of whether Malaikottai Vaaliban merits a watch is subjective. It’s a cinematic voyage that beckons an open mind and a readiness to embrace its distinctive style and narrative flair.