Malayalam movie 'Iratta' (Twin) hit theatres recently. The film directed by debutant Rohit M G Krishnan and featuring Joju in dual roles revolves around the murder of a policeman in Vagamon police station and the investigation that follows thereafter.
As the crime happened within the police station, the cops are under high pressure to probe and bring out the truth. Who is the murderer? Why did he commit the crime at the police station? Through these questions, the director and the scriptwriter narrate a story that sends chills down the spine of the viewers.
There is also a lot of intrigue since the prime suspects are three policemen. The story develops through Pramod and Vinod, the twin (Iratta in Malayalam) brothers who are cops, their friends and near ones. The film which is a crime investigation story is also a procedural drama. Though 'Iratta' begins as a police crime drama, it gradually takes another track. It is also interesting to see how the director has managed to weave in the early life of the twins, memories their friends have of them, among others, though the film is set in a gap of one day. The film also makes you emotional. The film progresses without hindering the flow of the script.
'Iratta' stands apart for its extraordinary and unimaginable climax. The ‘twin’ climax is unprecedented in Malayalam cinema and is sure to leave the viewers perturbed.
It is Joju’s dual performance that is the strength of the movie. The twin brothers, Vinod and Pramod, lead completely different lives and also have different personalities. Only a truly gifted actor can transform himself the way Joju does in this movie.
While playing Pramod, Joju has put on a denture. Joju’s performance touches the soul of the character he plays. He has presented two characters who exhibit calmness, empathy, helplessness and mystery, on the screen in a composed manner.
Not just Joju, all artists who have acted in the movie have played their roles exceptionally well. Jithu Ashraf who played a pastor deserves a special mention. The cast includes artists Anjali, Sabu Mon, Sreekanth Murali, Manoj K U, Srinda, Shebin Benson, Arya Salim, Sreeja and Shruthi Jayan.
Debutant director Rohit has showcased the ease and grace seen in an experienced director. The subject dealt in 'Iratta' is not easy for a debutant to take up. Rohit has also done the script for the movie. Manu Antony’s editing, Vijay’s cinematography and Jakes Bijoy’s music have all helped Rohit’s work, rightly complementing it.
Iratta is an emotional journey. It is not like Joju’s earlier cop roles in 'Joseph' or 'Nayattu'. Also, it's remarkable that Joju does not exhibit any of those cop mannerisms from his earlier movies in 'Iratta', which can considered yet another excellent cinema in Malayalam.
