Apoorva Raagam

Sibi Malayil has given us good films, but Apoorva Raagam is strictly mediocre. Its a film that tries hard to be different, but ends up being ridiculous and sexist! Believe me, it even sensationalises and glorifies crime to a laughable extent.

'Roopesh', played by Nishan falls in love with 'Nancy' played by Nithya, who is the daughter of a rich businessman. And 'Tony' played by Asif Ali helps 'Roopesh' win his love. Then suddenly starts a series of twists and turns which was supposedly designed to confuse the hell out of you. But instead you get irritated and bored, post intermission. The screenplay is crafted more like the recent Bollywood hit flick Race, which itself was an inspiration of the Hollywood blockbuster Wild Things. But at least those films were true to the genre and entertained you. Apoorva Raagam is a mess!

Out of the leads, Nishan looks awesome, but take my word for it, he is an aweful actor, who gives a pathetic show with absolutely no emotion on his face. (Shyamaprasad, you are great!) Asif Ali is a decent performer and Nithya looks lovely; she gives the film, its best moments and seems to be easy and spontaneous.

The camera work by Ajayan Vincent is brilliant as usual. The editing is not worth any mention. And the music by Vidyasagar falls flat except for a peppy dance number, which is worth humming. But its the re recording by Bijipal that surprises you; its simply among the best to come out of Malayalam after Malarvaadi Arts Club. The background scores add life to the bland pace of the film.

In the end when you leave the cinema, what you feel is a heavy head ache and a relief. Well, its not a bad film, but doesn't keep you away from getting bugged for life. I find it embarrassing when I see people calling it "New Generation cinema". A sheer pity, for it explains the conservative nature of Keralaites. Watch it only if you wanted to. Very mediocre fare.

Rating: 2/5 (Average)