What begins as another normal day in the lives of Manu, Mathew Tharakkan and Mohammad turns into an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Manu (Fahad Faasil) is an NRI from Dubai who arrives in Kochi with his toddler daughter. His mission is to collect Rs7.5 million (Dh463,842) that he has transferred through hawala (a method of transferring money without any actual movement) service so that he can pay off blood money and free his jailed wife (Isha Talwar) for an accidental death in Dubai. Helping him in Kochi is his friend Abhirami (Mythily), a writer and a local resident.
That same morning, public prosecutor Mathew Tharakkan (Srinivasan) proceeds to court in his car, escorting an important witness, Zarina (Lena), for a hearing in a scandal involving a state minister. Zarina’s life is at threat and Mathew is determined to get Zarina to court safely.
At a hospital in Kochi, Mohammad (Lal) and his wife are in a quandary. They need Rs6 million for their daughter’s operation. How will this taxi driver arrange such a large sum?
The three stories are told in multiple narrative style and as new characters are introduced, their lives get intertwined. Scriptwriters Praveen Kumar, Arun Gopinath and Anish Francis have carved each character with care. The screenplay holds viewers’ attention throughout and there is never a boring moment.
Veteran actor Srinivasan plays his role with an elan that reflects his long innings in the industry. Lal’s subdued performance impresses and is unlike his other roles.
With this film, Faasil pushes his boundaries further as a father of a little girl, and he is brilliant. Baiju’s role is small yet significant to the story and he leaves a mark in his debut. His role of a lottery ticket vendor remains in your mind even after the credits roll. Kudos to Mythily who has performed action scenes without a stunt double.
As you travel on this roadtrip, there are moments to chuckle at. It’s quite an amusing journey that Manu’s missing cash bag undertakes as it switches hands. The question often cropping up in the mind is ‘How will it reach Manu?’
When the film opens, you stare at a jigsaw puzzle in disarray and as the scenes unravel, you are left guessing. Look out for a terrific climax that reinforces the simplicity of these human beings.
Directed by Vasudev Sanal, God’s Own Country is a film you would not want to miss. Go with family and friends.
