Vineeth N Pillai, (Mohanlal) — with emphasis on the ‘N’ — is a senior journalist at a woman’s magazine, Vanitharatnam. A bachelor who is still searching for a partner with the bold traits of his mother, Pillai seems out of place amid changes being planned by Kalyani (UAE-based Reenu Mathews), the new editor.
London-educated Kalyani is on a mission to revamp the magazine, until now under the management of her mother. Right from her first meeting with him she disapproves of Pillai’s attitude and style of working.
She wants to fire him but before that she assigns him a story. Pillai is asked to interview Deepa (Manju Warrier), a lawyer who grabbed headlines for protesting against poor road conditions in the city after falling into a pothole while riding her scooter.
Pillai meets Deepa but she refuses to do an interview.
Will Pillai file his story, slotted as the cover story for the new issue of Vanitharathnam? That is a big question not only for Pillai, but for Kalyani too, who considers him an irresponsible reporter.
Ennum Eppozhum is a typical Satyan Anthikad film, a clean family entertainer.
Warrier on the second outing of her comeback handles her role with maturity. Deepa, a contemporary woman and a divorcee with a child is a picture of grace and strength, reflecting the lives of many women today. Playing Deepa’s close friend, Farah, a businesswoman, is Lena. Farah’s marriage is crumbling, yet she bears it stoically.
Ranjan Pramod’s screenplay mirrors today’s woman, who takes life’s challenges in her stride. We don’t get to see the husbands of the wronged women, leaving it to the viewers’ imagination.
Ennum Eppozhum makes no lofty pretensions but narrates a simple story that could be yours, or your neighbour’s or maybe the woman up the alley.
Can an Anthikad film be without humour? Remember his classic hits of the eighties, such as Thalayanamanthram, Nadodikattu, T.P. Balagopalan M.A and Gandhi Nagar 2nd Street.
Innocent, who has done many films with Anthikad, plays Kariachan, Deepa’s friendly neighbour. Kariachan and his wife are always there to help Deepa in times of need.
It’s fun to be treated to good clean humour, without wincing at double entendres and toilet humour that has become a staple in recent films.
Mohanlal and Warrier’s pairing works well and the bond between the lead characters grows in a subtle way. Mohanlal as the laid-back journalist who always goofs up is endearing. Supporting him during comic moments are Jacob Gregory and Minon, who deliver really good performances.
Vidyasagar’s melodious tunes are a refreshing break from the loud songs that have become the order of the day.
For one who believes in making only one film a year, director Anthikaad has always succeeded in touching a chord with the family.
To many more such films from the veteran, Ennum Eppozhum (Forever Always).
