Olam Movie Review & Analysis

DirectorV.S Abhilash
CinematographyAshkar
EditorSamjith Mohammed
MusicArun Thomas
ProducerNaufal Punathil
ProductionPunathil Productions

Gist of the Story

The plot of the movie—a young man (Arjun Ashokan) becomes friends with an enigmatic woman (Lenaa) working for a violent drug cartel—setting off a number of weird and unexplained occurrences.

Detailed Plot

In a tale that intertwines friendship, personal struggle, and the allure of the unknown, we delve into the lives of Arjun and Romanch. These two friends, who share a penchant for friendship-related drinking, embark on an unexpected journey when Arjun decides to escape the tense atmosphere of his affluent household. Leaving his home behind, Arjun, accompanied by the loyal Romanch, sets off for the sanctuary of a nearby forest. It is in this verdant expanse of lush foliage and whispering trees that the duo seeks solace and respite, figuring that the fuel in their vehicle will run out, leaving them with no choice but to wait.

Little do they know that their unplanned expedition into the heart of nature will yield more than just a temporary escape from their troubles. In the depths of the forest, they chance upon Thomas, a mysterious person who holds the secrets to an unusual substance known as Mad Honey. Mad Honey, a peculiar narcotic concoction with mythical properties, both fascinated and terrified those who knew of its existence. Thomas, the enigmatic creator of this elixir, becomes an unexpected guide in their transformative journey through the forest.

Artistes’ Performances

The movie has a strong cast, with Arjun Ashokan and Nobby playing Arjun and Romanj, respectively, in the key parts. In his portrayal of these innocent and ecstatic folks, Arjun Ashokan brilliantly brings out their unique characteristics and emotions, capturing the audience’s hearts with his impeccable acting skills. Meanwhile, Nobby Markose adds an extra layer of comedic relief to the film with his impeccable comic timing and hilarious antics. His portrayal of Romanj, Arjun’s mischievous best friend, brings countless laughs and light-hearted moments to the story. Lena, on the other hand, shines in her role as Huda Fakhrudeen, her portrayal brings depth and complexity to the story, making Huda a memorable and empowering figure. Another standout performance comes from Binu Pappu, who takes on the role of Thomas, the mysterious drug maker in the movie. Binu’s convincing portrayal of this enigmatic character is truly remarkable.

Direction / Technical Side

The psychological thriller ‘Olam’ marks the brilliant debut of actress Lenaa as a screenwriter. Through its slow and deliberate narrative pacing, ‘Olam’ skillfully unveils the motivations and secrets of its characters. One of the standout aspects of ‘Olam’ is the expert utilization of the forest location by director VS Abhilash. The dense woods serve as both a physical backdrop and a metaphorical representation of the unknown and mysterious aspects of our own minds. Abhilash’s direction creates an atmosphere of haunting beauty that seamlessly intertwines with the unfolding story. The movie was visually stunning, with mesmerizing cinematography that brought the characters and settings to life. The attention to detail in the design and art direction was impeccable, creating a beautiful and immersive world for the audience to get lost in. The film’s score was also remarkable, evoking a range of emotions and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The plot, although intriguing at first, started to lose its momentum as the story progressed. The narrative had potential, but unfortunately, it was hindered by inconsistent and ambiguous writing in certain spots. This made it challenging for some viewers to fully understand the motivations and actions of the characters, resulting in a slightly confusing viewing experience. As the movie approached its climax, it became apparent that the storyline had become predictable and tiresome. The lack of surprises and twists diminished the impact of the final scenes, ultimately leaving the audience feeling underwhelmed. However, in the very last scene, an unexpected revelation about the lead character was made, shedding new light on their journey throughout the film. Despite its flaws, the movie did have its redeeming qualities.

Verdict;

Overall; the movie had its visual and musical merits, but it fell short in terms of its narrative development. The audience would be unable to completely engage with the story due to the uneven writing and predictable premise. The film’s creative outcomes and strong performances from the lead may still be admired, nevertheless.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.