'Aasha' first half review: Urvashi brings depth to a complex character in an intriguing thriller

If Urvashi’s Leelamma in 'Ullozhukku' was one of Mollywood’s most discussed performances recently, 'Aasha' gives the veteran actor yet another complex character that offers her ample room to shine. It is refreshing to see filmmakers and writers create stories with veteran actors at the centre, and 'Aasha' gives Urvashi enough material to remind us just how effortlessly she can inhabit layered characters.

The film revolves around the relationship between a mother and daughter, with Urvashi’s titular Aasha at its heart. She is introduced as a stubborn and difficult woman, but beneath her rough exterior is a loving woman. It is this contradiction that makes the character interesting. Urvashi, who has consistently shown an ability to bring warmth and emotional depth to even complicated roles, handles 'Aasha' with remarkable ease. Her performance is particularly effective in the emotionally charged moments.

The premise is intriguing, and the central conflict is strong enough to hold your attention. However, the writing does not always live up to the potential of its setup with some situations feeling stretched and lacking conviction.

'Aasha' begins as a family drama centred on a complicated mother-daughter relationship before gradually turning into a thriller. This shift gives the film momentum and keeps it moving. Ultimately, it is Urvashi’s commanding performance and the film’s intriguing central conflict that make 'Aasha' worth watching.