25. Pachuvum Albuthavilakkum (2023)

 

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Feel-good

Pachuvum Albutha vilakkum directed by the debutant Akhil Sathyan carries the exact DNA and template of his father’s movies, where the protagonist is a lazy laid back young man whose life takes a transforming path after a significant other comes to his life. The plot of this movie is exactly the same: Prasanth aka Pachu-played by Fahad Fazil, who runs an ayurvedic clinic in Mumbai and has no significant plans in life but seeks to succeed in life by taking short cuts, is given a responsible task, and over time, this task transforms him into a reformed man.

We as viewers will have a good idea of the type of affair we are getting into from the very start of the film. The first half of Pachu is entirely devoted to introducing the characters and the kinds of situations they are in through humorous moments, much like a Sathyan Anthikad film. The first half's comical gags are successful, at the same time  some comic strips fails to land. The second half of the film adopts a serious tone, but there is still humour throughout. Additionally, the humour in this film, like its predecessors from the Anthikkadan legacy, is natural, harmless, and of the feel-good variety. 

The movie's potential is, however, constrained by the same Anthikadan formula, as the proceedings are largely predictable and the film drags to the point where we wish there was a fast forward button.  Even when a conflict does arise, the movie's presentation makes it so that the situation lacks any sense of gravity, and by the end, the message is as overt as it can be.  There are also instances where Akhil Sathyan consciously tries to deviate from the pattern, and it is fascinating to see those attempts because it is almost like rewriting the Anthikadan style. Unfortunately, though, these efforts are restricted to only a few scenes.

The movie is graced with some convincing performances. Without a doubt one can say that it’s really a cake walk for Fahadh to convincingly portray the evolution of Pachu. Even though I initially thought Anjana Jayaprakash was an odd choice for the role of Hamsadhwani, as the character is further developed, Anjana delivers an incredibly convincing performance. In addition, Viji Venkatesh makes an intriguing choice and hits the right notes as the Ummachi, who actually serves as the main character alongside Pachu. Several actors, including Althaf, Vineeth Mukesh, Innocent, Indrans, Shanthi Krishna, etc., put forth noteworthy performances that heightened the warmth of the film.

In a nutshell, Pachuvum Albuthavilakkum is a brand-new entry into the uplifting Anthikadan sub-genre that is almost a xerox of other films in the same class. Although it may seem the movie radiates too much goodness beyond the extent one could digest, it can pass off as a simple film to watch as a family on the weekend.

My opinion: Watchable.