DRISHYAM ("DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE!!")

December 20, 2013.

Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Siddique, Asha Sarath, Kalabavan Shajon.

Director: Jeethu Joseph.

Sound scripting; that was the first thing different about Drishyam, a concept unheard of in India. And once you start watching the film you slowly begin realising that is only one of the few distinctions of Drishyam.

Georgekutty is a cable TV operator in the small village of Rajakkada who has a small family; his wife Rani (Meena) and two daughters. They lead a very simple life with their own little dreams and ambitions. At the most unexpected time the safety of his family is compromised because of an ugly incident. Georgekutty’s very reason for existence takes on an altogether different meaning and the way in which things take shape form the rest of the story.

Staying true to it’s caption “Visuals can be deceiving”, Drishyam will make you almost believe you are in the theatre to watch a really beautiful family story unfold at a leisurely yet a harmonious pace. Your heart goes out to the family because of the way the scenes are written and the amazingly natural acting by all the main actors. Certain moments in the film are so real as if Jeethu was looking at the private conversation in a family while writing the script.

But the grasp with which he shifts the film into one helluva gripping thriller makes you wonder where this was hiding all the time. Once that takes over the film is almost relentless filling you with intrigue and suspense till the very last scene. And when you have almost accepted that there is one little secret that will go to the grave along with Georgekutty as he says you get the trump card which will sweep you off your feet both because of the simplicity and the genius of it.

The sound scripting concept is surely gonna be a trend from now on considering the amazing clarity it brings to the mood of story. The two songs in the film are also done on a need basis with utmost relevance to the story.

The arresting screenplay makes it a serious case for film buffs to discuss whether Jeethu is a better writer than a director or vice versa. As mentioned above when the first part of the screenplay makes it’s way straight into your heart because of it’s simplicity the second part blows you away with it’s brilliance; a solid piece of writing so intricately woven together that you are wondering whether to get amazed at the simplicity of it all or be spellbound at the intellectual part of it.

What is more interesting is the fact that Drishyam cannot entirely be branded as a thriller. It is a perfect blend of family drama, humor, sentiments and thrill with a socially relevant theme; more like the elusive “perfect script”.

All the actors play their part perfectly well but Kalabhavan Shajon, Mohanlal and the daughters stay a notch above the rest (Meena too to an extent) and undoubtedly this will be one of the landmarks in their whole career.

I am giving 4 Drishyam. Do not believe what you see!!

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

       

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.