Movie : Kanupapa
Cast : Mohanlal, Baby Meenakshi, Vimala Raman, Anusree, Samuthirakani, Nedumudi Venu, and others
Story : Govind Vijayan
Music : 4 Musics (Eldhose, Jim, Biby and Justin)
Dialogues : M Rajasekhar Reddy Male
Cinematography : N. K. Ekambaram
Editor : M. S. Ayyappan Nair
Producer : Mohanlal
Ex.Producer : Srinivasa Murthy N
Presents : Overseas Network Entertainment
Screenplay, direction : Priyadarshan
'Kanupapa' is the dubbed version of the Malayalam blockbuster 'Oppam' starring Mohanlal. Mohanlal played a blind man in this thriller which had set the cash registers ringing at the Kerala box office. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film has been produced by Anthony Perumbavoor.
Story
Jayaram (Mohanlal) is a visually challenged man. He is a blind lift operator at the neighborhood apartment. Even though he is a blind man, he is intelligent and conquered his impairment with his generous and briliantness. Of course, he is every resident’s favourite person. Former Supreme Court judge and retired Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Justice Krishnamoorthy (Nedumudi Venu) is one of the occupants of the apartment. He is feeling guilty for one wrong conviction that costs the lives of the villain's family. He entrusts Jayaram with the care of a child he is bringing up (Nandini) who is facing threat from a serial killer.
A murder happens at the apartment, during a wedding ceremony and Jayaram gets accused in the case. To prove his innocence, Jayaram desperately tries to nab the killer.
How will he prove his innocence? How does he save Nandini from a serial killer? forms the rest of the story.
Performances
Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal’ performance as a blind person is meticulous and his facial expressions are exemplary. He performs his role effortlessly and is pillar to the movie.In many emotional sequences in the film, we see the real actor in him.
Samuthirakani needs a special mention for his performance. Malayalam film legend Nedumudi Venu in a supporting role is perfect. Baby Meenakshi performed well in the role of Nandini. Mamukkoya gives the comical relief. Others including Nedumudi Venu, Anusree and Chemban Vinod Jose have also played their roles well.
Technical
Kanupapa has high technical values. Cinematography by N.K. Ekhambram is superb. The main plus points of Kanupapa is that it is technically polished and visually appealing. Songs are engaging and they suit the situations quite well. Telugu audience may not like the songs as all the songs have Malayalam feel.
But background score maintain a tensed mood as the hide-and-seek game between Mohanlal and killer plays out. Editing could have been better in the second half. Production values are top notch.
Analysis
Mohanlal has already wooed the Telugu audience with his stellar performance in Manamantha and Janatha Garage movies. He is totally at ease in Kanupapa as well, his screen presence not affected by the physical challenge.
The first half of Kanupapa is superb and it doesn't lag anywhere. It keeps the audience hooked till the interval. The film has a best interval blocks. The first half an hour in the second half is also good but the cat-and-mouse chase needlessly stretched and several scenes become boring.
Once the murderer's identity revealed, things become quite predictable. There are some unnecessary scenes in the film. Jayaraman gets an expression of romantic interest from a housemaid played by Vimala Raman and this is one of the awkward scenes in the film.
You don't get clever answers to how Jayaram manages to win over the police and law in the film. But the climax has many chilling moments.
Though the story has a few flaws, a brilliant performance from Mohanlal that overcomes them.Overall, Mohanlal's extraordinary performance makes this thriller an intriguing watch.
Final verdict : Engaging thriller
Filmybuzz Rating : 3/5
