ANARKALI MOVIE REVIEW

These days when the idea of a "good" film tends to fit easily into a few templates of filmmaking, it's hard to make something as simple as a simple, feel good love story. As far as the basics are concerned, Anarkali marks the solo debut of Sachy of the popular Sachy-Sethu duo (Chocolate, Robin Hood). It's a feel good love story that's been backed by amazing visuals.

This film is as much the lead actor's film as much as the director's. Prithviraj, who plays the protagonist Shanthanu, has done a commendable job, displaying different facets of his character at each stage along the way. This is yet another feather in the cap for the actor, especially so since he has efficiently displayed his range with recent performances. This film could very well be the final call for a hat-trick success this year. Here, his performance is all about the charm, which graduates to intensity towards the second half. His chemistry with Priyal Gor and the relationship between the two characters is one of the highlights of the film. Miya, as a performer should really be used better, because she definitely has more to offer. Biju Menon brings in a refreshing presence with his comic timing and you can't help feeling endearment for the character. Kabir Bedi has filled in his spot just fine.

Sujith Vaassudev has outdone himself with the cinematography. The striking blue of the sea, the green tinge of the underwater and even the various hues of sunlight... all set against the background of Lakshadweep provides one with a rather impressive canvas to work with. You're effortlessly introduced to the look and feel of Kavaratti, whisking you away smack in the middle of this tale.

But while the narrative progresses rather briskly in the first half, the second half totters a little and meanders into parts that could have been sorted with tighter editing by Ranjan Abraham. The director, who has also written the film, has given the story the treatment it deserves, with everything coming together well in the end. You could say6 the excessive running time of almost two hours and fifty minutes really affects keeping the audience engaged throughout. 

The music by Vidyasagar works well with the film and leaves you feeling awed  in a combination with the visuals. These tracks will efinitely work their way into your memory.