Directed by:Rajeev Ravi
Produced by: Sukumar Thekkepat, Jose Thomas
Starring:Nivin Pauly, Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Arjun Ashokan, Sudev Nair, Manikandan R. Achari
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
Edited by: B. Ajithkumar
Music by: K Shahabaz Aman
Release date: 10 March 2023

Thuramukham is a Malayalam-language historical drama film directed and filmed by Rajeev Ravi. The screenplay, written by Gopan Chidambaran, is based on the play of the same name by his father K. M. Chidambaran. The film stars Nivin Pauly, Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Arjun Ashokan, Sudev Nair, Manikandan R. Achari, Senthil Krishna, Nimisha Sajayan, Poornima Indrajith and Darshana Rajendran in prominent roles.
After multiple delays the film was theatrically released on 10 March 2023.

What works

The place Mattancherry might be a familiar one for keralites. It was an area situated near the harbour and all the incidents that take place influences the lives of multiple characters in 1960’s and this well written story comes out of the popular cinematographer and director Rajeev Ravi’s workshop.

Nivin Pauly carries the role of the protagonist well and gains more attention . Arjun Ashokan and Poornima Indrajith makes a strong impact through this story and their potential as a performers has been triggered well by the character sketch designated for them. The whole casting idea needs to applauded as every character that appears on screen enters with purpose and exits after meeting the purpose.

Rajeev Ravi’s work behind the lens and making have retained the essence and nativity of the locality well, making the overall experience a pleasant one. The difference in timeline is also well established by the cinematographer. One element that continuously pursues to impress us is the BGM. Progressive and classy route taken by the musician K and Shahabaz Aman.

What doesn’t work

There is no doubt that Thuramukham is ambitious both in its scale and picturisation. Every frame feels rich and Rajeev Ravi has given the film the right kind of a period feel. Most of the characters feel interesting. But the shift of focus from one lead to another gets prolonged a bit too much. The first act, despite some interesting moments, does drag a lot and takes its own sweet time to get to the point.

The two evident threats of this film are the length of the film and slow pace. The film running time almost 3hours long and towards climax one might feel slightly restless. The story moves at a snail’s pace in both the halves and can get on to your nerves. The emotions in the first half do not work one bit.

Bottomline

A Realestic drama struggled with its running time and snail-moving narration..

3/5