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Poster of ApothecaryIn his second flick after the critically acclaimed movie Melvilaasam, director Madhav Ramadasan deals with a subject that is directly or indirectly connected with every social being. And he deals it with elan. Though the script staggers a bit initially, the story falls on track and gets going smoothly.
Apothecary, as its connotation suggests, is an aide to a medical practitioner, who prepares and administers medicines on patients to cure them of ailments. The term comes with a baggage of ethics and morals too. So, for a patient the doctor is a God, the saviour. When this belief is held at ransom there is no limit to which a patient's faith and confidence put at the hands of doctor can be exploited.
Breach of such medical ethics and excesses of pharmaceutical majors are not novel ideas. But the extent to which it has been explored and the artistic sincerity with which it has been portrayed make it a worth watching film, if not a mass entertainer.
Of course, there are several morbid factors which deal minor blows puncturing the film's coherence. But all those are compensated by context that is original and a treatment that is truly artistic.
The dialogues, especially those in lighter vein, look artificial and render the situations weak, but the more serious ones loaded with philosophical undertones are marvellous.
Nevertheless a strain of lag is palpable throughout and the unscrupulous blare of BGM notes dog it further still. Also a perpetual stretch of pathos drags it away from the tag of an entertainer. Yet the film casts a few surprises and moments that can give you goosebumps. There are dents, but on the whole it is captivating and above all serves the cardinal purpose of transporting the viewers into a different world, though you may sit the whole course with a perpetual lump of melancholy deep in your throat.
The script by Hemanth Kumar has etched out the characters with finesse and leave them enough room evolve and flourish. Jayasurya has showcased another rollicking performance with his meticulous acting prowess and exact dubbing skills. Though he has done similar roles, this time he comes up with a sterling performance. After a hiatus, Suresh Gopi delivers a praiseworthy performance.
Abhirami's comeback show exudes vigour, vitality and grace. Though the character of Dr. Nalini played by her is pestered with histrionics of emotions she treads her path with elegance and balance. Asif Ali, though slightly oversteps his character of Prathapan. In fact, everyone from Indrans, Seema G Nair, Neeraj Madhav to Raghavan, Jayaraj warrier, Jayan, Arun, Lishoy have risen up to the task.
The only song in the movie composed by Shekh Illahi is a melodious treat and is in sync with the theme. Except for the few glitches the film is a visual treat with substance and leaves a lasting impact.
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