A senior leader encourages Shanu, Sumesh, and their two friends, who are also party members, to seek vengeance when a political party member is killed. But not just their lives, but the lives of others close to them, are significantly impacted by this.
To further complicate matters, Shanu marries Hizana the same day that the police ask the senior leader to turn over at least one suspect to save their ruling party’s reputation. Sumesh offers to help, but the plan falls through, leaving Shanu and Shanu’s mother to deal with the emotional fallout.
Asif Ali portrays Shanu, an event coordinator and devoted party participant. He is said to have a tragic background, which is made clear toward the end of the first act of the film. Asif gives one of his best performances in the final act as a troubled man who tries to do the right thing but can’t fully defeat his demons as Shanu, arguably his best portrayal to date.
Sumesh, portrayed by Roshan Mathew, is a strong and devoted friend. Most of the film’s emotional energy is driven by him. With astounding earnestness, Roshan emotes in his parts. Roshan Mathew demonstrates once more his talent as an actor who can get under the skin of his role.
Nikhila Vimal is the second prominent character in the movie. Shanu’s wife, played by Nikhila Vimal, is convincingly portrayed. The fact that Nikhila is not confined to the role of the dark heroine played by the hero is consoling. Through some great conversation, Nikhila steals the second half.
This political environment is captured pretty vividly in the film “Kothu,” which is directed by seasoned director Sibi Malayil. The Sibi Malayil-directed film serves as a sharp reminder of the fallout from Kerala’s bloody politics, particularly in Kannur.
However, unlike earlier movies that dealt with the subject, this one focuses solely on the lives of its protagonists and how they are affected by the vengeance-filled, politics that primarily benefit party officials who don’t want to get their hands dirty. The movie presents a lovely tale of friendship in addition to being a political film.
Hemanth’s writing also makes sure that there is room for humor despite the serious subject matter. Jakes Bejoy’s background score and Prasanth Raveendran’s images complement the movie’s narration very nicely. Sibi Malail is a filmmaker who frequently achieves stunningly encapsulating human emotions, pains, and sorrows.