Anuraga Karikkin Vellam film review

Twenty-five year-old first-time director Khalid Rahman wins many viewers’ hearts with a fresh story that refuses to fall into the regular trap of a romantic comedy. Risk-taking Anuraga Karikkin Vellam rides on the marvellous performances of not just the leads but every actor doing his bit in the story. Living up to its title, the film gives a cool rush like tender coconut water.

The film opens with a father and son talking about their love lives and wondering why women behave the way they do.

Raghu (Biju Menon) is a sub-inspector of police, having a reputation for his harsh way of disciplining those arrested. Stern and barely smiling, Raghu is much feared not just at work but at home too. His wife, Suma, (Asha Sharath) is another homemaker toiling all day long for the family. Their son Abhi is an architect graduate and their daughter is still in school. Abhi, though working in a start-up company, is dissatisfied. He feels that his place is elsewhere as he believes in his ability to think out of the box.

He is in a relationship with his college mate Elizabeth/Eli (Rajitha Vijayan), a vivacious young woman who loves him to the point of following him all the time on her mobile phone. Obviously Abhi is not happy with her clingy nature and it reaches a point when Abhi decides to break off the relationship.

Around the same time, Raghu’s life finds a trigger for joy after he notices Anuradha (Nandini), his lover from the past, driving in a car across the road. With the resurgence of old fond memories Raghu is now keen on meeting her.

Does Raghu find the spark of love once again? How is Eli’s life after the break-up?

Naveen Bhaskar, a former sub editor at Malayalam Manorama has scripted this story. It’s his first as an independent story writer after writing the dialogues for Malayalam film Monsoon Mangoes. Bhaskar said that this story grew from experiences from his and his friends’ lives.

Anuraga Karikkin Vellam has several laugh aloud moments, and the middle-class setting is real and will connect with the audience.

It’s another brilliant performance from Menon after Vellimoonga, revealing another facet to his acting prowess. His onscreen chemistry with Sharath is a treat to watch, especially those moments when Raghu rediscovers love and there is a change in his behaviour. Raghu’s antics often leave Suma and his two children perplexed.

Sharath pushes the image of the strong policewoman from Drishyam behind her as she steps into the garb of Suma, an ordinary wife who loves her family. Representing many women who work without any complaints and look for those small bursts of joy, Suma is content with the way her life turns. Her husband’s sudden show of affection baffles her.

Playing the perfect tango are the young pair, Asif Ali and newcomer Vijayan. Ali’s Abhi is believable. Vijayan makes an impressive debut. While her Eli does annoy Abhi, she endears you with her charming character. When dumped by Abhi, Eli is unable to fathom why or how he could do this to her. Vijayan, a natural and spontaneous actress, shows promise.

How can I forget Naji, the man in this love triangle. This newcomer, as Sony, held his own among a team of veterans. Sony is the nice guy who loves Eli.

Enhancing the story are several supporting characters, sketched lovingly. With a distinct identity of their own, they fit beautifully into the large tapestry. Abhi’s friends, played by Soubhin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi, and Sudheer Karamana as Raghu’s colleague and friend, bring in some squeaky-clean humour.