OTT platforms have become essential commodities in our life as they are providing that much needed entertainment during lockdown. Among a string of releases on Amazon Prime, a ‘different crime thriller’ stood out – ‘Vaarikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam’.
Plot
Vincent Columbus is a happy-go-lucky youngster who accidentally becomes a priest, contrary to his father’s dream of seeing him as a cop. His cleverness and acumen makes him popular and likeable in the village. Vincent instigates discipline in the village with his traits and goes on night beats to avoid robberies.
On one such night, he witnesses a murder committed by a person who is known to him. The murderer buries the dead body in a grave. When Vincent tries to inform about this murder to the police, the murderer confronts him and gives a rude shock. Rest of the movie deals with questions like ‘What did he tell Vincent?’ and, ‘How did Vincent use his wits to nail the culprit for his heinous crime?’
Analysis
Most of the Malayalam films have Christian backdrops. The priests in those movies were shown as pacifists who work for the betterment of their communities. This film showcased its protagonist in an exactly opposite way. Here, the priest is shown using his power to control the village. It shows the mental state of a youngster who becomes a priest by accident after he fails to realize his dream of becoming a cop.
Director Rejishh Midhila has successfully handled the characters and avoids unnecessary fight scenes. Amith Chakalakkal played Vincent’s role in a realistic manner while Dileesh Pothan portrayed the murderer’s character with his usual finesse.
Highlights
Every criminal looks for a loophole to escape the law. Dileesh Pothan’s murderer role also finds such loophole and tries to escape from the law using it. His confrontation scene with the Church father after the latter witnesses the murder is filmed brilliantly and stands as the major highlight of the film. Director’s effort in making this film an interesting watch is to be lauded.
Cast
Amith Chakalakkal, Shammi Thilakan, Dileesh Pothan, Mejo Joseph, Lena, Lal, Anjali Nair, Nedumudi Venu, Sudhi Koppa etc.
Producers: Shibu Devadath, Sujeesh Kolothody, Rejishh Midhila
Director: Rejishh Midhila
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Final verdict: Intelligent crime thriller
Language: Malayalam
Rating: 3.5/5
