Anil Radhakrishnan is back with a heist story in Sapthamashree Thaskaraha.
What begins as a confession by a petty thief, Martin, soon takes viewers to a prison where seven jail inmates bond together over a plan to rob rich, bad man Pious Mathew (Joy Mathew). This scheming businessman has amassed wealth at the expense of others. One of the affected is Nobel (Nedumudi Venu), a former financier now reduced to penury. Nobel wants to settle scores and he puts forth the idea to rob Pious. Krishnan Unni, also a victim of Pious’ mean ways, joins hands. For the other five inmates, the promise of money lures them into this project.
So when they are released from prison, they get into action with their plan.
Shuttling between the confession box at the church, where the interactions between Martin and the priest are laced with humour, and the jail confines, Radhakrishnan gradually lets his characters grow upon the viewers. He has lovingly carved each one of them in great detail and they are hard to leave your minds. Be it Narayanankutty, (Neeraj Madhav), the mechanic with a brilliant mind, or Shabab, the tough guy (a cool-looking Asif Ali) whom everyone fears, the characters are distinct.
While this is not a racy thriller, it’s the presentation of the story that gets you hooked. The script written by Radhakrishnan is the hero and the dialogues keep you chuckling.
Characters
Justifying Radhakrishnan’s casting, the actors slip on their character’s garb with great ease. Veteran actor Venu is perfect. Prithviraj as Krishnan Unni is seen in a subtle role, sans his macho image. I won’t blame you if you wished for a priest like the one in the story, portrayed well by Lijo Jose Pellisery. Confession would be much easier! Mathew as the bad guy fits in well. Dubai’s Reenu Mathews does justice to her role as Krishnan Unni’s wife and so does Sanusha as Noble’s daughter, who becomes an accomplice in the mission to rob Pious. Mongolian circus artist Flower Battsetseg surprises you with her antics. The comedy is clean and although it does get to toilet humour towards the climax, it does not stink. You can’t stop yourself from laughing. The pulikali (Kerala folk art) scene is hilarious.
But it’s the director who has the last laugh. Radhakrishnan has attempted a different genre from his earlier film, 24 North Kaatham, and once again he scores with the audience.
Just don’t miss this clean entertainer. Go for Sapthamashree Thaskaraha.
