Cross-posting the review I wrote in ForumKeralam
Date: 18th March 2011
Theatre: Trivandrum New (11 AM show started at 11:30, not sure if the earlier show was a fan show)
Status: Houseful (I got the tickets in black. Otherwise, there was no chance of getting in)
I did not have that high of an expectation with this movie. I was hoping it would at least compare to Pokkiri Raja so that fans and the entertainment value would make the movie a success. Oh boy, I was in for a treat.
On the outset, the movie practically offers nothing new. Fight between two families. One righteous, other not. A son misunderstood by the family. Dead/distanced siblings. Mashed together by loads of action. Christian Brothers follows all these still becomes distinct by the brilliant performance by the cast and the plethora of punch dialogues.
Hats off to Sibi-Udayan for writing a script which essentially gives all the main characters ample space to perform. Another hat tip for writing so many punches and comebacks through out the script. Joshi has done a fabulous job of making the movie thrilling without boring the audience even for a minute. Commendable task considering the length of the movie. I didnt glance at my watch a single time throughout the screening. Camera is adequate and editing is good. Sound mixing in songs should have been better.
Mohanlal rules the roost as Christi Varghese. The man carries the role with aplomb. His dialogue delivery is terrific. It was truly heartening to see then man back in action with some good old verbal sparring. Action scenes are very good, but nothing out of the world. The only space where I felt a little awkward was during a couple of scenes with Lakshmi Rai where Lal clearly looked out of place. Wonderful return of form for Mohanlal in mass hero roles.
Dileep was brilliant where ever the role demanded. I was a tad disappointed at the length of his role in the first half. The character had a lot of potential and it would have lightened up the situation.
Suresh Gopi did well. He had a lot of good dialogues and he showed he still had his old spark. Sarathkumar was intelligently used and added a new dimension the movie. All the other actors did fine. Saikumar deserves a special mention. Ladies as usual had a limited role in the movie.
Negatives would be the old school story and lackluster music. Couple of songs sounded decent with pictures, but nothing to write home about. BGM also was adequate and nothing unique.
I am sure that the movie would be lapped up by the fans. I suspect this would also sit well with all the other type of audience. With a summer vacation looming, the marketing trick would do wonders.
TL;DR: Christian Brothers is a fun ride. Hop in and enjoy yourselves with some old school action and fiery dialogues. Recommended for all fans of commercial Malayalam cinema.
Rating: 7/10
Date: 18th March 2011
Theatre: Trivandrum New (11 AM show started at 11:30, not sure if the earlier show was a fan show)
Status: Houseful (I got the tickets in black. Otherwise, there was no chance of getting in)
I did not have that high of an expectation with this movie. I was hoping it would at least compare to Pokkiri Raja so that fans and the entertainment value would make the movie a success. Oh boy, I was in for a treat.
On the outset, the movie practically offers nothing new. Fight between two families. One righteous, other not. A son misunderstood by the family. Dead/distanced siblings. Mashed together by loads of action. Christian Brothers follows all these still becomes distinct by the brilliant performance by the cast and the plethora of punch dialogues.
Hats off to Sibi-Udayan for writing a script which essentially gives all the main characters ample space to perform. Another hat tip for writing so many punches and comebacks through out the script. Joshi has done a fabulous job of making the movie thrilling without boring the audience even for a minute. Commendable task considering the length of the movie. I didnt glance at my watch a single time throughout the screening. Camera is adequate and editing is good. Sound mixing in songs should have been better.
Mohanlal rules the roost as Christi Varghese. The man carries the role with aplomb. His dialogue delivery is terrific. It was truly heartening to see then man back in action with some good old verbal sparring. Action scenes are very good, but nothing out of the world. The only space where I felt a little awkward was during a couple of scenes with Lakshmi Rai where Lal clearly looked out of place. Wonderful return of form for Mohanlal in mass hero roles.
Dileep was brilliant where ever the role demanded. I was a tad disappointed at the length of his role in the first half. The character had a lot of potential and it would have lightened up the situation.
Suresh Gopi did well. He had a lot of good dialogues and he showed he still had his old spark. Sarathkumar was intelligently used and added a new dimension the movie. All the other actors did fine. Saikumar deserves a special mention. Ladies as usual had a limited role in the movie.
Negatives would be the old school story and lackluster music. Couple of songs sounded decent with pictures, but nothing to write home about. BGM also was adequate and nothing unique.
I am sure that the movie would be lapped up by the fans. I suspect this would also sit well with all the other type of audience. With a summer vacation looming, the marketing trick would do wonders.
TL;DR: Christian Brothers is a fun ride. Hop in and enjoy yourselves with some old school action and fiery dialogues. Recommended for all fans of commercial Malayalam cinema.
Rating: 7/10
