The trailer of Panchavarnathatha was an instant hit and it topped the trending charts. It surprised all with lead actor Jayaram's unique makeover. It gave us all a notion of a super-hit in the making. However, the directorial debut of 'comedy king' Ramesh Pisharody is unimpressive and lacks focus. Actor Jayaram, who is about to celebrate three decades in Mollywood, is the only relief.
As it comes from Ramesh Pisharody, one may expect a 'LOL' film. The name of the movie and the title cards at the beginning make you think it's about animals. But, sadly the film is neither about animals, nor about any theme in particular. Rather, the film is full of misfired comic sequences, many of which are from old comedy skits. Unimpressive performances by many leading actors in the industry also take a toll on the movie. It's disheartening to see the incredible comic talent of Ramesh Pisharody has in no way helped him save the day!
Jayaram plays the lead character – a nameless pet dealer who loves everything about life and animals. The film is all about this man's life and struggle with pet animals. The actor's makeover as the character is something amazing about the movie. The tonsured head, pot belly and a peculiar way of speaking gives him a unique appearance. He sells and rents every kind of animals – from dogs to macaws, donkeys, camels and what not! He has no family, no religion nor any of such 'identification' which society wants to tag him to. His world is full of love and animals. When the world around him vies for power and money, he only thinks of making lives better – of people around him and the animals.
Kunchacko Boban who plays a young MLA is seen fighting with his rivals to win the upcoming elections. His political and family life runs as a sub-plot. The movie develops as the life of the nameless pet dealer gets entwined with that of the MLA and faces numerous struggles from society. However, the twists and turns add no hope, but only get the audience more confused.
Mallika Sukumaran as Kunchako Boban's mother does a decent job. Anushree as Kunchacko's wife is at her usual best. The movie also features Maniyanpilla Raju, the producer of the movie, Kunjan, Dharmajan Bolghatty, Joju George and Salimkumar. The saddest part is that not even a single actor renders a performance worth remembering. There is nothing commendable about songs or the background score except that it was done by M Jayachandran, Nadirshah and Ouseppachan.
Though Jayaram's subtle performance at times makes you feel for the character, the aimless journey of the plot may leave you with a void heart.
