Mammootty’s Dominic And The Ladies’ Purse review: A quirky detective tale with heart and humor

Just like how Sherlock Holmes is often associated with the line “Elementary, my dear Watson” to showcase his brilliant mind and keen observation skills, director Gautham Vasudeva Menon gives us Kerala’s own version — an endearing detective who uses his sharp intellect and daily hustle to crack any case. Iconic superstar Mammootty takes a stab at playing the titular role, shedding his superstar trappings.

There are no slow-motion walks or clap-worthy one-liners accompanied by thundering background music for effect. Instead, he portrays a detective who’s refreshingly transactional — he won’t take on any petty case without being paid upfront in cash. A former cop fired for lying on his resume, he becomes a detective and part-time content creator to get by. He’s a seasoned survivor who takes on assistants and has no qualms about underpaying them or not paying them for months.

The opening scenes, in which he sizes up his job applicant (played serviceably by Gokul Suresh) as a rich brat who isn’t hoping for a high-paying salary but is more interested in solving real-life crimes, land just right. But the soul of this movie lies in Mammootty and his quirks. He’s an eccentric sleuth who’s reluctantly forced to take on a case when his benevolent and chic landlady Madhuri, played smoothly by Viji Venkatesh, arm-twists him into finding out the owner of a purse she found while visiting her doctor. He hasn’t paid rent for four months, and she promises to write it off if he takes on the trivial case. Their warm exchanges and easy camaraderie are fun to watch.

But the seemingly simple case turns complicated when they realise that the young woman who owns the purse was reported missing. What makes this movie work is Dominic’s benign and unthreatening vibe. He’s boastful as he talks about his good old cop days and takes pride in cracking any case, even if it’s just to catch a philandering husband in a compromising position in a shady hotel room. He’s a joy to watch.

The movie’s charm lies in its attention to detail. The opening scene where Dominic sizes up his new assistant, played by Gokul Suresh, is both humorous and revealing. Dominic quickly pegs him as a rich kid looking for thrills rather than a paycheck. It’s a dynamic that sets the tone for their odd-ball partnership.

What starts as a simple case quickly escalates into a missing person’s case, drawing Dominic deeper into a web of intrigue. While the plot meanders at times, Mammootty’s portrayal keeps you invested. The supporting cast, including Siddique and Vineeth, add depth to the story. Their interactions with Dominic reveal layers to his character — a man who’s not as invincible as he’d like you to believe.

But here’s the rub. While the premise is intriguing and Mammootty is in fine form, the movie’s pace is uneven. The narrative often feels meandering, with some subplots overstaying their welcome. However, the quirky humor, clever writing, and Mammootty’s magnetic screen presence more than make up for these lapses. And the payoff at the end is satisfying. Just like how Dominic boasts that he knows the killer in any suspense drama before it hits interval, the viewer might also guess the grand reveal.

But if you can make peace with the patchy pace and subplots that overstay their welcome, there’s a lot of fun to be had in this benign and enjoyable film.

Plus, director Gautham Vasudeva Menon’s decision to focus on character-driven storytelling rather than flashy gimmicks works in the film’s favor.

If you enjoy a character-driven detective story with a touch of humor and heart, this one’s for you.

Gulf News Rating

Film: Dominic And The Ladies Purse
Director: Gautham Vasudeva Menon
Cast: Mammootty, Gokul Suresh, Viji Venkatesh, Siddique, Vineeth
Stars: 3 out of 5