Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Dileesh Pothan, Sharafudeen, Arjun Ashok
Director: Amal Neerad
Amal Neerad and Fahad Fasil have teamed up after four years and the result is Varathan, a visual treat. With a scintillating performance by Fahad Fasil, the film revolves around the story of a couple Aby (Fahad Fasil) and Priya (Aishwarya Lekshmi) who shifts to Kerala to live in Priya’s ancestral house in a small town in Idukki. If you are expecting the usual slow motion frames that are always there in an Amal Neerad film, it’s different this time. The director has given the focus to the story and has very beautifully woven the story in a stylish manner that never lets the chills and thrills to go low. He has attained it very tactically by providing two different paces to the first and second halves. This has, in turn, ensured that the audience does not feel a lag as the premise is limited. The credit also goes to the scriptwriters Sharfu and Suhas. The movie scores high as it does not question the sensibilities of the audience and provides them with an organic experience.
The first half of the film uses a village backdrop to place the characters in the story steadily and the mysteries unveil towards the second half with some pumped-up moments and a dynamic climax. Fahad as usual has given a great performance and has seamlessly enacted the love and compassion between the couple. the actor has a charisma that makes it difficult to take the eyes off him whenever he appears on screen. Aishwarya Lekshmi, who has a strong character has done a decent job as Priya. She is here to stay. Varathan will indeed become a game changer for Sharafudheen, who has been presented in a totally new avatar. The actor has attempted something out of his comfort zone and has emerged a winner beyond doubts.
Varathan has got most of the things right in it: in addition to being a thriller it has an emotional angle as well, which is sure to attract family audiences. It has narrated one of the relevant issues of society in a simple yet gripping manner. One of the key factors that contributes to the totality of the movie is the cinematography by Little Swayamp. One star exclusively goes to the superb frames he has created for every shot. They are different and unique. The music and background score, too, are appealing. The supporting cast comprising of Dileesh Pothen, Arjun Ashokan, Chethan Jaylal and others have done their part well.
