| Title | ONCE UPON A TIME IN KOCHI – Thooval nilaa |
|---|---|
| Production Company | KALANDOOR ENTERTAINMENTS |
| Directed by | Nadirshah |
| Written by | Raffi |
| Produced by | Kalandoor |
| Director of Photography | Shaji Kumar |
| Editing | Shameer Muhammed |
| Production Design | Santhosh Raman |
| Music | Hesham Abdul Wahab, Nadirshah |
| Lyrics | B.K Harinarayanan, Suhail M Koya, Kunwar juneja (Hindi), Shaheera Nazeer |
| Singers | Hishaam, Harishankar, Nadirshah, Vidhu Prathap, Sithara Krishnakumar, Dana Razik, Samad & Anus |
| Key Programming | Francis Sabu |
| Guitars | Sumesh Parameswar |
| Violin | Cochin Strings |
| Song Recording & Mastering | Nikhil Kackochan @Freddy’s Avg |
| Project Designer | Cylex Abraham |
| Costume Design | Arun Manohar |
| Make Up | Ronex Xavier |
| Production Controller | Sreekumar Chennithala |
| Chief Associate Director | Deepak Narayan |
| Di Studio | Poetic |
| Colourist | Srik Varrier |
| Final Mix | Raja Krishnan |
| Stills | Yunas Kundai |
| Action Choreography | Silva Stunt, Mafiya Sasi, PC Stunt |
| Choreography | Brinda, Prasanna, Imthiyas (finger dance) |
| PRO | Manju Gopinath |
| Publicity Design | – |
| Cast | Mubin M Rafi, Arjun Ashokan, Devika Sanjay, Shine Tom Chacko, Johny Antony, Baiju Santhosh, Jaffar Idukki, Shivajith, Malavika Menon, Neha Saxena, Aswath Lal (Hrudayam fame), Sminu Sijo, Riyaz Khan, Sudheer Karamana, Kalabhavan Haneef, Samad, Sudheer Sukumaran, Kalabhavan Rahman, Saju Navodaya, etc. |
| Listen On | JioSaavn, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, Wynk |
| Website | Millennium Audios |
| Subscribe | Millennium Audios YouTube Channel |
| Millennium Audios Official | |
| @millenniumaudio | |
| Millennium Audios |
Once Upon A Time In Kochi (2024): A Nostalgic Voyage Through Kochi’s Underbelly
Director: Nadirshah, Rafi
Cast: Mubin M Raffi, Arjun Ashokan, Shine Tom Chacko, Devika Sanjay, Rafi, Johny Antony, Jaffer Idukki
Genre: Drama
Setting: Kochi, Kerala
Release Date: 2024
Once Upon A Time In Kochi is a 2024 Malayalam film co-directed by Nadirshah and Rafi, taking viewers on a captivating journey through the bustling city of Kochi and its lesser-known underbelly. Steeped in nostalgia, the film blends elements of drama, crime, and romance, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways.
Story:
The narrative revolves around Haibi (Mubin M Raffi), a young man yearning to escape his impoverished background and become a singer. His life takes a turn when he meets Janaki (Devika Sanjay), a talented dancer with her own dreams.
Meanwhile, S.I. Anand Das (Arjun Ashokan) navigates the complex world of law enforcement, facing off against the notorious gangster Chandrappan (Jaffer Idukki). As their lives collide, the characters grapple with love, loss, ambition, and the harsh realities of life in Kochi.
Highlights:
- Strong performances: The film boasts a talented cast who deliver impactful performances. Mubin M Raffi shines as Haibi, perfectly capturing his vulnerability and determination. Devika Sanjay is equally captivating as Janaki, showcasing her grace and resilience. Arjun Ashokan impresses as the righteous police officer, while Jaffer Idukki lends gravitas to the role of the menacing gangster.
- Evocative setting: Kochi comes alive on screen, with its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and hidden alleyways. The filmmakers effectively capture the city’s essence, transporting viewers to its unique atmosphere.
- Nostalgic touch: The film is infused with a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of a bygone era in Kochi. The soundtrack plays a significant role in this, featuring classic Malayalam tunes that perfectly complement the narrative.
Shortcomings:
- Pacing issues: The film’s pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling slightly sluggish.
- Predictable plot: While the characters and setting are engaging, the overall plot follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, lacking major surprises.
Overall:
Once Upon A Time In Kochi is a heartwarming and engaging film that offers a captivating glimpse into Kochi’s diverse tapestry. Strong performances, an evocative setting, and a nostalgic touch make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a heartwarming journey through the city’s soul. However, the film’s pacing issues and predictable plot might leave some viewers wanting more.
Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a feel-good movie with strong performances and a beautiful setting, Once Upon A Time In Kochi is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. However, if you prefer films with more intricate plots and unpredictable twists, this one might not be your cup of tea.
Additional Notes:
- It is important to consider that this review is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the opinions of all critics or viewers.
- The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its performances and setting while others criticizing its pacing and predictability.
- It is always recommended to watch the film and form your own opinion.