Review: ‘Gangster’ (Malayalam)

You kind of know what to expect from a title such as Gangster. As far as gore and bullets are concerned, they are available in plenty, right from the word go.

Mammooty plays Akbar Ali, the son of a don who slips into his father’s shoes with ease. Growing up in Mumbai, where his father is the undisputed don, Akbar has seen the power tussle and his father’s murder. His life is saved by an old, faithful servant who takes him out of Mumbai.

When he returns to avenge his father’s death, he has already created an empire in Mangalapuram, calling the shots along with two other kingpins, Mani Menon (Kunchan) and Uncle Sam (John Paul). Nothing moves in Mangalapuram without the joint consent of this trio.

Trouble arrives in the form of Anto, Uncle Sam’s nephew, an ambitious young man from the US who harbours dreams of making big money and that too quickly. He runs a pharmaceutical company and wants to venture into shipping medicines to India, particularly those that have been rejected abroad.

When Akbar refuses the proposal, Anto (Sekhar Menon) decides the only way to execute his plans is by killing him. But does he succeed?

Director Aashiq Abu relies on a stale plot, especially with a superstar and his larger-than-life image forming the crux of the story. It couldn’t get more predictable.

Mammootty fans will probably love Akbar with his quiet demeanour, few words and, of course, the slow swagger. Dubai resident and RJ Nyla Usha plays Akbar’s wife Sana and for the short while that she is around, she makes her presence felt. However, Anto steals the show.

Our introduction to Anto is as a fat guy under a shower and you can’t miss the tattoo ‘Obey’ on the back of his bald head. Soon, you learn of his sadistic games. Played by Menon, viewers will love to hate this character.

The silver lining is cinematographer Alby’s camera that treats you to some unusual frames.