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Mohanlal back to `chammal' role
ONAM IS a season of plenty, isn't it? Well, not for the Malayalam film Industry. There are only four films for this festive season, with Balettan being the first one. After playing many an `avatar' in his 25 years in films, the last few months have seen Mohanlal trying to lift his box office credentials by returning to humour and family subjects. Balettan is his latest attempt at that.
The film is produced by M Mani under the banner of Sunitha Productions and Aroma Movie International. This is the 50th film produced under this banner. This is a notable feat, considering the fact that not many banners have achieved this milestone.
Athaniparambil Balachandran alias Balettan, as he is lovingly called by one and all, is a man with a big heart, always ready to lend a helping hand. This more often than not, lands him in trouble. Though a bank employee, Balettan is always preoccupied with the role of being a solution provider. His easy ways are tolerated by both his family and his bank manager friend, K. K. Pisharody, essayed wonderfully by Jagathy Sreekumar.
Balettan's father, Sankara Menon ( Nedumudi Venu), is a retired post-master, who, on many occasions, is forced to part with his savings to get Balettan out of trouble. Pressure from his kith and kin forces Balettan to become a more responsible son and family man. But as good things don't last for long, Bhadran (Riyaz Khan) makes his entry eventually, leading to Menon revealing a big secret to Balettan on his deathbed.
After Menon's death, Balettan is forced to hide many things from
his family, leading to misunderstandings and suspicion. How the
tangles are resolved forms the rest of the plot.
Haven't we seen all this before?
Devayani plays Balettan's tolerant wife, while Sudheesh, as his
younger brother, proves to be a thorn in the flesh. Humour is handled by Jagathy, Harisree Asokan, Indrans. Innocent also makes his presence felt with an ice-breaking role. Nithya Das and Kalabhavan Mani make a special appearance.
Director V M Vinu has roped in newcomer T A Shahith to pen the
story, script and dialogues. P C Mohanan has done the editing while cinematography has been taken care of by Anandakuttan. The
film has four songs written by Girish Puthenchery and composed by
M Jayachandran. `Innale... .' rendered by K J Jesudas is a melodious
number which is sure to find a place in the hit-charts. Mohanlal
also has sung for this film.
Balettan has nothing extraordinary to offer, but for Malayali
movie-goers who love the `chammal' roles played by Mohanlal,
Balettan may not displease them.
ABHIJATH & RAM
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