Movie Review
Review of Malaikottai Vaaliban: Mohanlal steps into Lijo Jose Pellissery’s realm, where the real and the imagined coexist, though not very harmoniously
Malaikottai Valiban
Malaikottai Vaaliban movie review: Lijo Jose Pellissery’s multi-genre film finds a delicate balance between these aspects, managing not to sacrifice the overall quality, unlike Mohanlal’s recent films, which frequently got carried away by either his stardom or his potential as a performer.
What happens when the biggest star in their profession teams up with an auteur? This idea is precisely what made Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Malaikottai Vaaliban, starring Mohanlal, the most awaited Malayalam film of 2024. With the hugely successful Mammootty film Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023), Lijo’s next directing project, Vaaliban, came with extraordinarily high expectations. In contrast, Mohanlal saw this movie as a chance to atone for the harsh criticism he has been receiving lately, despite the fact that none of his performances stood out. As such, the stakes were very high.
However, every Mohanlal has a Lijo Jose Pellissery; if you haven’t discovered your LJP, you’ll never be able to perceive the Mohanlal in yourself.
In contrast to Mohanlal’s previous movies, which frequently strayed from their main focus due to their star power or unrealized acting potential, the multi-genre Malaikottai Vaaliban attempts to maintain a high standard of excellence without sacrificing any of these elements. Given that many of the earlier films that helped establish Mohanlal’s reputation have comparable elements, this strategy gives him plenty of room to perform to the best of his abilities.
We are not introduced to a Mohanal in Vaaliban who always delivers punchlines right away. Rather, the actor is first seen snoring while dozing off on a bullock cart. With a background tune reminiscent of Clint Eastwood, the scene is set for a wrestling match. Mohanlal enters, wearing maroon clothing that appears to be smeared with the blood of many fights.
Malaikottai Vaaliban is not bound by any particular setting or era; rather, it follows the trip of its title character, who travels to many places to demonstrate his strength and win everyone’s respect, much like in a folktale. Both Ayyanar (Hareesh Peradi), whom he regards as a father figure, and Chinna (Manoj Moses), the former’s son, whom Vaaliban regards as his own brother, are always at his side.
“What you have witnessed is true; what you have not witnessed is false.” Every time Vaaliban gets ready for fight, he tells his opponents, “What you have seen up to this point is all lies, and what you are about to see now is the truth.” After Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, this film is Lijo’s second foray into a world where the real and the fantastical coexist peacefully.
Malaikkottai Vaaliban is a film of exceptional quality, with each frame and shot composition being distinguished by exquisite production design, appealing coloring, and excellent lighting. In a crucial scene, Vaaliban and dancer Rangapattinam Rangarani (Sonalee Kulkarni) are sitting side by side in their respective carts when Rangapattinam Rangarani pops the question. But Vaaliban rejects her, breaking Rangarani’s heart. Lijo’s excellent craftsmanship is evident in the mid-shot of the two carts, both uniquely decked with colors that correspond to their personalities against a pitch-black background.
Vaaliban’s deft use of wide shots is another noteworthy feature. Unfortunately, modern Malayalam filmmakers tend to shy away from this approach because of its difficulty. Every wide view in Vaaliban is painstakingly planned and executed, fusing the production design with the natural environment.
About Malaikottai Vaaliban
Malaikottai Vaaliban is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, who also co-wrote the screenplay with P. S. Rafeeque.It was jointly produced by John & Mary Creative (in their maiden production), Century Films, Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments, and Yoodlee Films, along with Amen Movie Monastery. The film stars Mohanlal in the title role. The original score and songs were composed by Prashant Pillai
Cast
Mohanlal as Malaikottai Vaaliban
Sonalee Kulkarni as Rangapattinam Rangarani
Hareesh Peradi
Manoj Moses
Katha Nandi
Danish Sait as Chamathakan
Manikandan R. Achari
Hariprashanth M. G. as Kelu Mallan
Shanta Dhananjayan
Suchithra Nair
Sanjana Chandran
Deepali Vashistha
Guinness Harikrishnan S. as Mangottu Mallan
Andrea Ravera as Macaulay Maharaj
Diana Nasonova as Lady Macaulay
Rajeev Pillai
Murugan Martin
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