Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 26: Director Jiyen Krishnakumar's Ananthan Kaadu sets out to deliver an ambitious political action drama but is ultimately let down by a screenplay that prioritises ideas over storytelling. Written by Murali Gopy, the film is packed with socio-political references and ideological commentary, but struggles to create an emotional connection with its characters.
The story follows Vetrivel Kumaran (Arya), an Eelam Tamil revolutionary who escapes to Kerala in the late 1980s after becoming one of Sri Lanka's most wanted militants. In Thiruvananthapuram, he finds refuge with former gangster Krishnankutty (Indrans) and his associates, including Thankaraj (Murali Gopy). Their lives take a dramatic turn when they undertake a final mission at the request of powerful political figures, exposing them to betrayal and violence.
The film explores themes of oppression, political manipulation and systemic injustice, drawing parallels between the plight of Eelam Tamils and marginalised communities in Kerala. While the subject matter is compelling, the narrative often becomes weighed down by lengthy dialogues and symbolism, leaving little room for meaningful character development.
Murali Gopy's screenplay is rich in political observations but lacks narrative balance. Rather than allowing the story and characters to naturally convey its themes, the film frequently resorts to philosophical monologues and overt messaging, making the viewing experience feel heavy-handed.
Jiyen Krishnakumar's direction does little to overcome these shortcomings. The execution lacks cohesion, with uneven pacing and action sequences that fail to generate the intended impact. The editing, particularly during the climactic portions, appears rushed and disjointed.
On the technical front, B. Ajaneesh Loknath's background score lends some intensity to key moments, although the songs leave little impression. Ranjith Kotheri's production design stands out, successfully recreating the atmosphere of Kerala in the late 1980s.
The performances are largely underwhelming despite the presence of an experienced cast including Arya, Indrans, Murali Gopy, Vijayaraghavan and Sunil. The actors receive limited scope to develop their characters, resulting in performances that lack emotional depth.
Overall, Ananthan Kaadu is an ambitious film with relevant political themes, but its excessive focus on ideological discourse comes at the cost of engaging storytelling. Despite its strong premise and capable cast, the film struggles to translate its ideas into a compelling cinematic experience.
Verdict: Ananthan Kaadu aims high with its political commentary but falls short due to an overloaded screenplay, weak emotional connect and inconsistent execution. It is likely to appeal only to viewers interested in politically themed dramas, while mainstream audiences may find it difficult to stay invested.