'Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira' review: Lal lights up a film full of quirks and detours

Althaf Salim, who made his directorial debut with 'Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela' in 2017, returns with 'Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira'. The film, like its title suggests, takes the audience on an offbeat and playful ride.
The story follows Aby, Fahadh Faasil, a man who does not quite fit into the mould of a typical hero. His fiancee Nidhi, Kalyani Priyadarshan, is a hopeless romantic with a flair for the dramatic. Her unusual demand that Aby should arrive at their wedding on a white horse sets off a series of eccentric adventures that shape the film’s narrative.

What keeps the film alive is the sense of peculiarity that runs through every character. Each of them carries quirks that make the world of 'Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira' feel both strange and familiar at once. The film never aims for strict logic or conventional storytelling. Instead, it allows its eccentricities to lead the way, meandering in unexpected directions that add to its charm.

One thing is clear. With this film, Fahadh Faasil has attempted to push himself into untested territory. Aby is unlike any character he has taken on before. However, the writing does not always support him, leaving the character underdeveloped and at times making it difficult to connect with him fully. The true heart of the story is Lal, who plays the father of Aby and Siby, the latter portrayed by Vinay Forrt. Lal anchors the film with humour and energy. Althaf also cleverly incorporates nostalgic touches into his role, allowing the actor to shine in ways we haven't seen in years. From dancing and running to carrying a renewed spark, Lal becomes the emotional core of the film.

Where the film falters is in its plot. The first half is engaging and full of promise, but as the story shifts to a new city in the second half, the focus begins to scatter. A subplot is introduced but it feels undercooked, and the additional characters fail to blend seamlessly with the original thread of the narrative. What prevents the film from collapsing under this weight is the sparkling chemistry between Lal and Fahadh, which consistently keeps the drama engaging.

Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Nidhi comes across as bubbly and dreamy, a character reminiscent of her role in 'Hridayam'. She plays it safe, staying well within her comfort zone. Vinay Forrt, meanwhile, delivers comic relief as Siby, Aby’s brother, though his character is not written as the typical caring sibling. Instead, he is portrayed as someone juggling too much on his plate, which gives him a different shade. Suresh Krishna, as Nidhi’s father, also leaves a mark in the limited space he is given.

What becomes apparent in 'Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira' is that Althaf views his characters from a distance. He does not dive too deeply into their inner lives but sketches them just enough for us to grasp their essence, which suits the film’s playful tone. Interestingly, the narrative also touches on darker subjects such as depression and suicidal thoughts. Yet, instead of presenting these through a heavy or sombre lens, Althaf chooses a lighter, almost matter-of-fact approach. In one scene, Lal’s character casually tells his late wife’s photograph that he will join her in five minutes as he plans his own death. The moment could easily have turned bleak, but it is handled with calm humour and an odd tenderness.

At its heart, the film suggests that life’s absurdities are often softened by companionship and that help sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. 'Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira' is not without its flaws, but it thrives on its eccentric spirit and the humanity of its characters. It is a film that may wander and stumble, but it leaves behind a sense of warmth and a reminder that even in chaos, there is always someone ready to hold your hand.