Some love stories are immortal and remain as an example for lovers across generations. They renew and reinforce our respect and faith for love.
And the story of Anarkali and prince Salim is no different. Considered as one of the memorable love stories, the legend related to the life of Anarkali-Salim duo always creates a strong feeling of curiosity, mystery and awe.
The popular legend have been filmed many times including in the evergreen Mughal-E-Azam. Popular writer, scenarist and director Sachi perfectly alludes to the original lovers in his latest movie Anarkali.
Sachy's big leap is powered by the confidence he gained from his solo scripting hits like Run Baby Run and Chettayees.
Anarkali depicts the love story of Shantanu (Prithviraj) and his lady love Nadira Imam (Priyal Ghor). Shantanu and his best pal Zachariah (Biju Menon) were working for Indian Navy but after getting caught in a situation (not going to spoil it for you by giving the details) they are forced to leave the force. Their lives cross again and this time at Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. Shantanu tells Zachariah how the past haunts him and what evolves from there forms the plot of the movie.
The opening scenes (an altogether different story) of the movie is what hooks one to the movie — with a right mixture of curiosity and anxiety. The movie moves at a fast pace, but not without giving us enough time to enjoy love, humour and thriller. The story might not surprise you, but the treatment will sure do. The past and present drives smoothly and balances quite well.
The major highlight of the movie is undoubtedly the locations! From the Arabian waves, to underwater sequences to the big sea vessel, the film has soaked up the beauty of island Lakshadweep to the last sand grain.
Sachy, who scripted and directed the movie, has managed to depict 15 years of a man's journey for love with ease. With Anarkali, Sachy seems to have proven his mettle as a film maker. Casting is yet another area where we see only the best ones.
Prithviraj with his dashing look passes through almost three stages of life and seems to have struck a boxoffice hat-trick after the success of Ennu Ninte Moideen and Amar Akbar Anthony. He swiftly switches his roles as the cheerful Naval officer, as the love struck Romeo and the matured Shantanu. Biju Menon once again proves his calibre as an actor.
The five directors – Shyamaprasad, Madhupal, V.K.Prakash, Renji Panicker and Major Ravi does justice to their roles. While Shayamaprasad makes quite an impression singing the Qawwali song, Renji Panicker too grabs eyeballs with his dialect and appearance. Suresh Krishna and Sanskriti Shenoy perfectly step into the garb of two local characters Atta Koya and Dua.
The lady star Priyal Ghor might turn as another Thattathin Marayath with her charm and beauty sharing a remarkable chemistry with Prithviraj. Kabir Bedi excels in the role of a Nawabi hard hearted father. Miya George plays a pivotal role as Sherin Mathew and has done quite naturally with her expressions and dialogues. However, national award winner Sudev Nair excels in his minor role (an untapped resource is always a sad thing to see).
The extraordinary visuals and the musicals are the major plus points for the movie. And the credit goes to Sujith Vasudev for his brilliant cinematography and composer Vidyasagar for creating the feel. The length of the movie might tire you out but then the movie seems to be safe within the hands of the 'men of honour'.
Anarkali joins the league of foretold love stories but stands out in terms of gloss as well as approach. With fun and romance in season, Anarkali is a good shot to give for it's excellent visuals and power packed performances.
After all 'love is stronger than death!
P.S: Anarkali and Salim – legend has it that Anarkali's real name was Nadira and Salim means calm, of which Shantanu is a variation.
Rating: 3/5