Malik movie review rating: Four stars out of five
Three OTT-released Malayalam movies this year contain strong statements on the vicious role politicians play in eroding lives. The darts have been aimed with studied slyness, without depicting any real-life personalities, and yet the message is loud and clear – politicians have no chill.
Appu N. Bhattathiri’s Nizhal (Shadow), starring Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara and Lal, despite the overplayed suspense, familiar climax and plot holes, conveys how memories of violence can cross over generations and inflict harm.
Martin Prakkat’s Nayattu (The Hunt), starring Kunchako Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan, is a tense thriller on how the grim power-drunk political machinery spares no one, not even police officers.
Mahesh Narayanan’s Malik, featuring stellar performances by Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Vinay Forrt, Indrans, Joju George and Dileesh Pothan, ups the tempo with loose references to the 2009 Beemapally police firing instance, unblinkingly flowing across five decades of power play, of community leaders used haplessly as pawns, and how violence once instigated leads to reactionary blood-spilling hate and nothing more.
There is a The Godfather (1972) like spirit to Malik. Thankfully, there is never a self-conscious attempt to xerox the legendary movie. Malik shines in its originality and earthiness in execution. Mahesh Narayanan’s sure-footed hold on direction keeps proceedings entertainingly realistic and engaging.
Malik story: The life journey of middle-aged Ahmed Ali Sulaiman Malik (Fahadh Faasil), a gangster from the fictional small town of Ramadapally, Kerala, starts with his arrest, and a conspiracy to assassinate him in jail.
Three narrators reveal the stormy happenings from that initial foray into smuggling, to killing off rivals and political ambitions, even as the wide-eyed would-be assassin Freddy (Sanal Aman) listens intently.
From Ali’s defiant mother Jameela (Jalaja), his friend/brother-in-law turned enemy, David (Vinay Forrt) and finally Ali himself, the entire blood-soaked, vested interest tale unfolds masterfully.
Tight execution: This is classic Malayalam cinema drama at its best, minus hero-centered vanity or any self-conscious stylish cuts, except for some (thankfully brief) grunge guitar celebration, the narration is lean and agile, kept me glued throughout the 162-min length.
Elements from Mani Ratnam’s Nayakan (1987) and two nods to Francis Ford Coppala’s The Godfather: Part II (1974) never make the telling mere imitation, the screenplay is woven seamlessly to create a world of its own.
How religious harmony is at the heart, with delicate cuts and messages, is another impressive achievement. The omnipresent sea and the arms spread wide statue of Jesus make beautiful symbolisms.
That last stone hurl at a politician’s forehead, and the ruckus that follows, mirrors our chaos-ridden times. The writing is on the wall – The game has been played, and as usual common people will be crushed and discarded for the benefit of a few.
Riveting characters: Apart from Faasil’s tough lead turn as Ali, Nimisha Sajayan is superb as his fierce Christian wife. Vinay Forrt as David is a steal, while Jalaja as Ali’s unforgiving mother (“I wish my son had died when he was six.”) gave me the chills.
Joju George as the scheming sub-collector, Indrans – the matter-of-fact corrupt policeman, Dileesh Pothan as the crafty politician hold their own, adding grim conviction to the proceedings. It’s good to see veteran actor Indrans experiencing a career boost, after years of side-comic parts.
Malik review: Malik is a political gangster drama at its tightrope best. The makers give us scene after scene of tense progression, never allow songs or characters to slow the pace.
Malik may be without any big budget flourishes, yet director Mahesh Narayanan relentlessly creates many moments of quiet powerful impact.
Malik is easily the best of contemporary Indian political cinema this year.
(As seen on Amazon Prime)
