LORD LIVINGSTONE 7000 KANDI MOVIE REVIEW

Malayalam cinema has had a serious dearth of a good adventure film. And it's refreshing to see National award winner Anil Radhakrishnan Menon attempt a fantasy adventure subject like Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi, while also touching upon a serious environmental issue.

 

LL7KK is a director's movie all the way. With an engaging narrative, subtle humour and getting across a point without getting preachy, there's something you'll definitely take away at the end of it. The storyline is simple and the narrative is straight with no rollercoaster twists and turns, although the director tends to fall into a familiar pace with his narrative, giving you a sense of deja vu from his previous films. Also, there are times you'd feel a disconnect from the characters.

 

The film narrates the story of eight individuals who get together to protect a fictional village deep in the jungle called 7000 Kandi, which is facing the threat of corporate encroachment. Kunchacko Boban plays Philipose John Varkey, a naturist who brings together this motley crew to save the village. He's done justice to his character and carries the rugged, salt and pepper look well. Reenu Mathews has a strong grasp on her character. Given the screen time she gets here, it's something new for her to perform, as with Chemban Vinod, and Sunny Wayne. Sudheer Karamana is to watch out for.

 

This film definitely scores on the technical aspects. Jayesh Nair's cinematography is a treat. The aerial views and the verdant forests covered on the canvas are definitely the highlights of the film. The VFX team has done a commendable job here and definitely at a standard Malayalam cinema needs to get used to.

 

The director teams up with Rex Vijayan yet again for the music and the musician does not disappoint. There's a certain vibe to the soundtrack of an Anil Radhakrishnan-Rex Vijayan team up as we've seen in Sapthamasree Thaskaraha. The background score by Sushin Shyam blends well with the visuals.