Kuttanadan Marpappa, Sreejith Vijayan's directorial debut, spins around Malayalam's much-explored family pivot. The cinematic ensemble is assembled flawlessly in lush green Kuttanand where the protagonist John Paul (played by Kunchako Boban) is a professional photographer. Sreejith is also the script-writer.
John Paul's life gets tossed up when his he meets the lover Jessy (Aditi Ravi) and a host of other characters. The quick situational comedy incorporates fine sequences. Comic interludes based on encounters with technology evokes quite a laugh. Probably, it indicates the degree to which we have embraced technology. Soubin's google maps-aided trip and talk-back are only chips of things to come.
The mid-speed entertainer in the family-comedy genre keeps the audience glued to the seats. John Paul's mother Mary Paul (played by Shanthikrishana) too is a major character in the movie. This is her second powerful role after Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela. Though the songs are not riveting enough, Santhikrishna's rendering of one is impressive.
As the film trains over the first half, the climactic event gives one a jolt and lends a new tone to the narrative.
Veteran actor and comedian Innocent plays Jessy’s father. Dharmajan, who plays John's sidekick and also his best friend, impresses with his impeccable comic timing. Others in the line-up include Ramesh Pisharody, Aju Varghese, Salim Kumar, Soubin Shahir, Tini Tom, Hareesh Kanaran, Dinesh Nair, and Mallika Sukumaran.
With the cinematography handled by ace Tamil lensman Arvind Krishna, Sreejith promises some arresting visuals of Kuttanad. The music is by Rahul Raj.
Rating: 3 /5