‘Immanuel’ is a simple tale that brings out the goodness in a man caught in today’s materialistic world
Immanuel (Mammootty) works at a publishing house and lives with his wife and son. The publishing house is not doing well and Immanuel has not received his salary for the past few months. But this simple soul finds it hard to ask his boss for his dues despite the pressing needs of the family.
The film gets rolling with Immanuel’s son preparing him to boldly confront his boss. When he reaches work Immanuel is shocked to find his boss missing and the publishing house in the hands of its debtors.
As Immanuel leaves the premises crestfallen, the security guard hands him an envelope, a letter from his boss. He has left him a few thousand rupees, besides suggesting that he meet a friend who manages an insurance company, for employment.
Soon Immanuel joins the insurance company, where he is a fish out of water. For someone with a clerical background, he finds driving sales figures is not easy. Not to forget a domineering boss, Jeevan (Fahad Fazil) barks orders and sets targets for him.
He realises that the company driven by profits cares little for its clients, even to the extent of denying them their claims as in the case of Khadeeja, a poor widow pursuing her husband’s death claim. Nor does it show compassion for a cancer survivor with a child trying to meet her medical bills.
Immanuel also learns that today’s young generation in their quest for money and fame have no qualms cheating their co-workers.
The film hits out at corporates and their work ethics while gently reminding us of compassion, friendship and love for the family, which seem to have been forgotten behind in today’s rat race.
Director Lal Jose has built his characters well. Be it Immanuel, an ordinary man who follows his heart, or his wife Anne (Reenu Mathews) with her dream of purchasing a house of their own, or their son (Gauri Shankar) who hero worships his father.
Mammootty carries his role with aplomb. Dubai resident, Reenu Mathews fits into her role perfectly. You will love Gauri Shankar and the cute moments he shares with his father. Once again Fahad Fazil proves his versatility. Sukumari brings back memories of her earlier roles. Music by visually-challenged composer Afzal Yousuf complements the film with its soothing melody.
Jose’s family entertainer is marked by crisp narration and good humour.
