‘Trance’ is an interesting and thought-provoking film that was released on ‘Aha’ OTT platform recently. It was made on the sensitive issues of substance dependence, religious crimes and spiritual business. Director Anwar Rasheed has successfully translated this interesting premise into a well-crafted film. It garnered unanimously positive reviews in Malayalam and is now dubbed into Telugu.
Plot
Viju Prasad who loses his parents in childhood lives in Kanyakumari with his mentally unstable brother. He makes his livelihood by being a motivational speaker. His brother’s suicide depresses him and makes him shift to Mumbai. A big contract knocks his door which needs him to pose as a Christian pastor and perform hoax healings. Viju takes this as a challenge and excels in it. What did he achieve and lose ultimately in his life constitutes the rest of the story.
Analysis
‘Trance’ portrays the exploitation of people’s beliefs in the name of religion by the corporate world. It clearly talks about the hoax miracles performed by pastors who lie about removing the ailments from the sufferers in the name of God. It is really an adventure to make a film about these issues in Kerala which constitutes 30-40% of Christian population. One has to appreciate director Anwar Rasheed’s dedication and the producer’s guts for that. Fahaad Faasil’s acting in the role of Viju Prasad is out-standing and Srinath Bhasi’s portrayal of his mentally unstable brother stands as another highlight. Gautam Menon shines in his negative role while supporting characters played by Dileesh Pothan and Chemban Vinod have done justice to their part.
OTT Platform: Aha
Cast: Fahaad Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Sreenath Bhasi, Chemban Vinod, Dileesh Potha, Srinda, Goutham Menon etc.
Cinematography: Amal Neerad
Music: Jackson Vijayan, Vinayakan TK
Producer: Anwar Rasheed
Language: Telugu
Rating: 3/5