There is a scene in Midhun Manuel Thomas' Ann Maria Kalippilaanu, where the renowned 20th Century Fox theme music is played to great comic effect during what was supposed to be a fight sequence. It's done so well that you will struggle not to burst out laughing. Unfortunately, innovative and refreshing moments like these are few and far in between in this formulaic comedy drama, which doesn't break any new ground, and you just cannot help but feel it is an opportunity wasted.
The premise here is simple. Ann Maria, played by 'Deiva Thirumagal' fame Sara Arjun, is the 10-year-old street-smart daughter of a doctor couple - played by Saiju Kurup and Leona Lishoy - who has a taste in athletics and a score to settle with her school's crooked and conniving physical trainer (John Kaippallil). Sunny Wayne and Aju Varghese, who appeared in cameos in the director's previous film Aadu, are central players in this film and play con artists cum small-time crooks Poompatta Gireesh and Ambrose, who show up to help Ann Maria in her quest, but of course they have their own personal interests.
Ann Maria Kalippilaanu struggles to take off during portions where we are introduced to Sara, her family and school, but picks up pace when Gireesh and Ambrose take over the screen. Their scenes together are the film's strongest suit. The jokes here are hit-or-miss but they do come come thick and fast that you would be happy to sit back and enjoy the proceedings.
However, the film sinks post intermission from where it takes a different direction altogether. Midhun pumps up the melodrama, with nothing much to work with. Issues such as the impact failing marriages have on children, parents not being there when the children need them, finding an honorable line of work are all touched but it's all so formulaic and caricaturish, it's tough to feel moved.
Among the actors, Sara Arjun is a charmer and succeeds in lighting up the screen during the lighter moments. Aju Varghese is very much in his comfort zone as the goofy sidekick - a role he must have played a dozen times in his career - and goes about it effortlessly. Siddique is in fine form and a delight to watch as the rich but miserly businessman who crosses paths with our protagonists. The veteran understands the film's tone and plays his part accordingly, owning the screen in practically every frame he is in.
John Kaippallil looks the part as the handsome villain but might have to learn to tweak a facial muscle or two if he is to find more meaty - no pun intended - roles in the future. Dharmajan Bolgatty and Bijukuttan provide comic relief but actors like Saiju Kurup and Shine Tom Chacko are wasted in half-baked one-dimensional roles, which are nothing more than extended cameos. However, it's lead man Sunny Wayne who will surprise you with his comic timing, especially his flair for physical comedy in the first half.
The cinematography by Vishnu Sarma and editing by Lijo Paul are neat, and both meet the standards which are expected of a Malayalam film these days, while Sooraj S. Kurup succeeds in providing crisp background scores to help the visuals garner attention.
However, the movie takes itself too seriously and is eventually let down by some uninspired writing. Some lines look totally out of place for conversations that happen at home, while some scenes are cringeworthy. The plot itself chooses to tread the tried and tested path and offers nothing new. That's not a problem if you can provide a few sparks occasionally, but alas, we don't get much of those here. And that's such a shame considering the director's previous effort Aadu, which went on to become a cult classic ever since its DVD release, was full of such little gems.
If a bright 10-year-old, who studies in a fancy school, Googling the word divorce after overhearing her parents and breaking down in front of her computer is the most poignant moment in a family drama, you know you should have hired better writers.
I'm going with a generous 2.5 stars out of 5 for Midhun Manuel Thomas's Ann Maria Kalippilaanu. It has got its heart in the right place but that doesn't make up for some dull writing. Even a cameo from a leading young star is not good enough to lift this dud. Watch it if you find comfort in the familiar.
Rating: 2.5
