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Kondal Malayalam Movie Review: Antony Varghese's Action Thriller Falls Flat

Kondal Malayalam Movie Review: As a Malayali movie goer, I didn't enjoy Angamaly Diaries. Still, through this film, Antony Varghese made a definite impression as an actor to watch out for. While he isn't your typical hero, there is a raw energy and authenticity to how he portrays a protagonist that makes him a powerful artist. However, the raw energy fails to hit the right mark as he needs more 'direction' in terms of channelising it.


Kondal Movie Review: How Women Protagonists are Shown

The depiction of women protagonists in the fisherfolk community remains a huge disappointment. In Chemmeen, Malayalis loved Sheela's brilliant portrayal of a fisherwoman's moral and ethical dilemmas. The characterisation was deeply layered and complex, brought to life by a highly talented artist, Sheela. Such depth is absent in this film's female protagonists.

Kondal Movie Story
Throughout Kondal movie, Antony Varghese's raw energy and rage stand out as the striking showstopper that helps the movie navigate turbulent waters. However, the weak story and typical screenplay weaken his determination as an artist. The actors, playing the role of villains, seemed too many.  In my view, the first half felt as though the movie was dragging on its own and the loudness of establishing itself as an action thriller completely lost the plot.

Malayalam Movie Review: What makes Kondal different?

Coastal settings are not unique to Malayalam cinema. From its earliest classic 'Chemmeen' starring Sathyan, Sheela and Madhu to 'Amaram' starring Mammootty, Murali, KPAC Lalitha and Maathu, the portrayal of Kerala's fisherfolk community is an intrinsic part of our cultural storytelling narrative. 
Most movies show coastal sequences with a fishing boat. 

While Kondal is a revenge drama, with no freshness added to the story arc, the portrayal of mid-sea sequences feels refreshingly different and the shark scenes were gripping though poorly executed in terms of cinematography. 

The lack of empathy among fishermen stood out as they fight over a dead body that is kept on ice.   

Displaying the fears of young ones who accompany 'senior' fishermen and the techniques of identifying which fish is pulling the bait make  the second half of the film more interesting. 

The most glaring issue with Kondal is its flat writing and lack of suspense, besides its over-the-top action sequences that are almost deafening to the ears. Given that Kondal has been produced by the same banner as RDX film, which was a huge hit and a revenge drama, there should have been a clear and transformative approach to Antony Varghese's characterisation.

For a long time, I hadn't posted Malayalam movie reviews here on the blog. So, it feels good to be writing again. Do let me know if you want me to write more Malayalam movie reviews - sometimes I do wonder, "Will anyone bother to read?"

Wish you all a movie-watching weekend and drop me your movie reccos, okay?
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