Overall, the film Pulimada is held back by its lack of nuanced writing and unrefined plot development. While Joju George's performance as Vincent is praiseworthy, the film's conversations and scenes lack depth and fulfillment. The retro-style background score, portrayal of substance abuse issues, and handling of mental health challenges are some positive aspects.
Gist of the Story
The movie revolves around the main character Vincent, a 40-year-old single man living in the hills of Kerala. His only goal is to find love and get married. However, after many failed marriage attempts due to false allegations, he feels that a hopeful marriage proposal will finally bring stability to his life. Unexpectedly, a man-eating tiger starts stalking the community throwing Vincent’s life into disarray.
| Directed by | A. K. Sajan |
|---|---|
| Written by | A. K. Sajan |
| Produced by | Rajesh Damodaran Sijo Vadakkan |
| Starring | Joju George Aishwarya Rajesh |
| Cinematography | Venu |
| Edited by | A. K. Sajan |
| Music by | Ishaan Dev (songs) Anil Johnson (score) |
| Production companies | Appu Pathu Pappu Production House Ink Lab Cinemas Land Cinemas |
Detailed Plot
The film focuses on Vincent Scaria, a 40-year-old police officer with a troubled past partly due to his mother’s history of mental illness. On what should be the happiest day of his life, his wedding day, Vincent has his heart broken when his bride abruptly elopes with her boyfriend instead of marrying him. Devastated by the canceled wedding, Vincent falls into a deep depression and turns to alcohol and drugs to numb the emotional pain, which begins negatively impacting his own mental well-being. Seeking help in his darkest hour, Vincent visits a doctor who tries to aid him in his recovery process.
On his way home from the doctor’s office, Vincent has an unexpected encounter with a mysterious woman named Emilee George. At the same time, there is a secondary storyline unfolding in Vincent’s village involving reported tiger sightings that are causing concern for local residents’ safety. The forest officials and Vincent’s friend Ambu work to investigate the tiger menace reports and determine if there is an actual threat. However, this subplot involving the tigers is not expanded upon very much and seems to be left somewhat unfinished.
All of these pivotal events in Vincent’s life – the broken wedding, his subsequent struggles with substance abuse and mental health, the meeting with Emilee, and the tiger issue in his community – all take place within the compressed timespan of just one long night. As the film unfolds, the audience witnesses how Vincent deals with these various challenges and experiences that will test his emotional and psychological well-being during this fateful 24-hour period.
Artistes’ Performances
Joju George gives a stellar performance as Vincent in this film, masterfully depicting his character’s transformation from an innocent man to a powerful and complex figure. At various points in the narrative, the viewer is left struggling with feeling both sympathy and fear for Vincent due to the depths of this change portrayed by George’s acting ability. He continues to reinforce his status as one of the leading talents in Malayalam cinema. While Vincent’s dialog oscillates between passable and stilted at times, George ensures his portrayal makes up for these flaws through deftly capturing the subtleties of Vincent’s mindset and emotions. Aishwarya Rajesh tackles her role as Mahishmati with commitment, even if the character is somewhat one-dimensional and reminiscent of typical free-spirited female archetypes often created by male writers and directors.
Lijomol Joseph has a limited but impactful role, imbuing her character with a strong sense of political conviction. Chemban Vinod Jose is excellent in his supporting part as Vincent’s friend, bringing nuance to the relationship between the characters. Jaffer Idukki and Johny Antony provide capable performances in their respective supporting functions as well. Overall, the cast brings dynamic portrayals that elevate the film’s narrative and themes.
Direction / Technical Side
Joju George delivers a compelling performance as Vincent, with director and author A. . Sajan utilizing every opportunity to showcase George’s talents. Vincent’s inner emotional state, including his passion, anger, and uncertainty, are effectively conveyed on screen. In the first half of the film, Sajan skillfully establishes the scene and context, with the introduction of Mahishmati into Vincent’s life representing a pivotal moment. After a disturbing sexual assault early in the narrative, the pace of the story increases significantly. Vincent finds himself unsure as to whether he was truly responsible for the heinous crime or not. While Pulimada presents an intriguing premise, the writing lacks nuanced depth and complexity. This shortcoming hinders the film’s development, with conversations and key scenes coming across as flat and unfulfilling. Viewers are left questioning the events and wondering if the full intentions and implications were adequately expressed. With more refined writing, the impact and engagement of the plot could likely have been elevated. As it stands, a lack of narrative sophistication keeps the film from realizing its full potential.
As was previously mentioned, Pulimada’s abrupt shift in tone towards the conclusion of the film was somewhat disappointing, as the unforeseen turn of events just prior to the revelation of information was foreseeable. The background score composed by Anil Johnson possesses an occasionally lively, retro flair reflective of times past. The motion picture also examines the effect of alcohol and drugs on the lives of men, shedding light on this important topic. The filmmaker is to be commended for the sensible manner in which they illustrated the challenges associated with mental health. Following an extended period away from Malayalam cinema, cinematographer Venu ISC lent his talents to another film in the language. The movie is greatly enhanced by the visual splendor captured in Venu’s striking shots, which contribute tremendous esthetic value.
Verdict;
Joju George gives a compelling performance as Vincent, effectively conveying his inner emotions through gestures and expressions. However, the film’s conversations and scenes feel flat and unfulfilling, leaving viewers questioning the events. Some positive aspects include the retro-style background score, examination of the effects of alcohol and drugs, and sensible portrayal of mental health challenges. With more sophisticated writing, the impact of the plot could likely have been elevated.