Nivin Pauly pulls off two different looks in this Siddhartha Siva directed film that talks about the communist ideology. It’s a serious story told sincerely and matched with good performances.
Sakhavu opens with Krishna Kumar (Nivin Pauly), a young communist leader with political dreams, who on instructions from his party office arrives at a hospital to give blood to a veteran communist leader, Sakhavu Krishnan (also played by Pauly).
The slow formalities of the hospital irritate Krishna Kumar who is in a hurry to leave after donating blood. Waiting outside the ICU, he chats with Prabhakaran Erali, Sakhavu Krishnan’s friend and a former policeman, who reveals the story of the much-revered Sakhavu Krishnan.
Two-time Indian National Award winner Siva has written this script and the narration goes back and forth between the present and the past when Sakhavu Krishnan worked for the welfare of the downtrodden much to the dislike of landowners.
As the enigma behind Sakhavu Krishnan is gradually removed, Krishna Kumar, who used to look for short cuts in his political career, becomes a changed man.
Sakhavu offered Pauly much scope for performance. Juggling between playing a young and easy-going Krishna Kumar to a sober Sakhavu Krishnan who has a clarity on his ideals, Pauly is remarkable.
Tamil actress Aishwarya Rajesh as Sakhavu Krishnan’s wife impresses again, in a role that is beyond her age. Aparna Gopinath as Sakhavu Krishnan’s daughter is charming. Notable is Binnu Pappu’s role of the policeman Prabhakaran who delivers a subtle performance.
Althaf as Krishnan’s side-kick tickles the funny bone now and then.
Sakhavu is complemented well by George C. Williams’ photography especially the warm-hued frames around the lush Peermedu area. Prashanth Pillai’s splendid music is another plus.
Sakhavu is an agitprop film, an inspiring tale of the making of a true communist comrade. A must watch for Pauly fans and for those whose hearts beat for communism.
