The picturesque canvas transports you to a different world. The serenity of the sequences is well supported by the restraint in the noise both in the sequences and in the musical assortment. The silent and mystic undercurrents do give a definite character to the ambiance of the plot. The cool mountain mists of the backdrop breath a sizzling chill right into the narrative and is unflinchingly held intact. That's what makes the movie Appavum Veenjum, scripted and directed by Viswan, worth watching.
Pratap Pothen as Fernadez bargains a lot of space to revel. And he so fervently makes use of it that it turns out to be an out and out Pratap Pothen flick. His eccentric pranks, prickly dialogues, unpredictable impulses, all attribute to the invincible crank whom we all meet at some point or the other in our lives. Nevertheless, his struggle to establish that is quite bare. It's only he who talks in the film.
The egalitarian texture brought about by frequent visits to Western music during interactions and onstage performances lends it a feel of distinctiveness, though it slightly jitters the flow.
The porous narration coupled with lack of clarity in contexts leave several empty spaces in the course. There is a story, a great one of course, but it could have been narrated more vehemently. The void transforms intense gazes into long stares and expressions into morbid attempts to explore passion. The drama that trails a sluggish path all along gains heat only towards the climax.
Sunny Wayne as Freddy (or Jude) seems like he is enjoying a sojourn in a high range devoid of chances to prove himself as a performer. So he prefers to shut himself inside the shell. Though situations don't demand him to break free, a covert attempt on his part to come out could have worked wonders.
Ramya Krishnan, back in the spotlight after a hiatus in a different avatar, looks beautiful; essaying the role of Merlin, she is not offered a single opportunity to smile. So she makes it a point to sport one emotion throughout - gawkishness. And she maintains it across all weathers, be it grief, sensuousness, wrath or haplessness.
It is a good story that is not allowed to spread its wings and foray into realms that could have unveiled artistic treasure troves. The movie that deals with intricate human relations also teaches how important acting is in a film. However, the musical score, both background and the songs, by Ouseppachan is a pleasant surprise. The lush locales, perfect sound design and an off-beat treatment make Appavum Veenjum a blissful experience.
Rating: 2.5 / 5