REVIEW:NIZHAL (Malayalam)

Producer- T.P. Fellini

Director- Appu.N . Bhattathiri

Star Cast- Kunchakko Boban, Nayanthara, Anto Joseph , Rony David Raj, Saiju Kurup, Lal and Badusha

Genre- Thriller

Rating- ***

Platform- Amazon Prime Video

Innovative and Unique

Jyothi Venkatesh

First Class Judicial Magistrate John Baby suffers from post-traumatic stress. One day, a friend tells him about a boy who narrates murder stories that carry real-life elements. Curious, John decides to meet the boy.

This award-winning film editor Appu N Bhattathiri debut directorial begins with an accident involving John Baby, which instils post-traumatic stress in him, which follows him like a shadow. In fact the meaning of Nizhal is shadow in Malayalam.

During a conversation with his clinical psychologist friend Shalini (Divya Prabha), he learns about a little boy named Nitin (Izin) who narrates strange murder stories.

When John meets Nidhin, though his mother is not in favor of this, he realises that his stories are not a figment of imagination, but their struggles are connected in some way.

The eight-year-old boy knows about a series of murders that happened close to 30 years ago.

How? Does he have some sort of gift where he could see ghosts? Or is he possessed by a ghost? Inspired, John goes after his stories

Kunchako Boban gives an effortless performance as John Baby, a magistrate who struggles with his traumatic phase.

Though it is funny to see him in a masked get-up in the first half which evokes an eerie feeling, to his credit, one should confess that he perfectly matches his character's dilemma.

Nayanthara, who appears as Sharmila, an IT professional, is an apt choice for the role. Bereft of glamor, Nayanthara gives a stylish and impressive performance.

However, without any iota of doubt you have to agree that the one who steals the show is little Izin who plays the role of Nitin, the cute and vivacious boy who is mature for his age. Divya Prabha, Rony David and Saiju Kurup also appear in significant roles.

What works in favor of the movie is the acting part. Kunchacko Boban makes his character look extremely believable.

It is unfortunate that Nayanthara has been cast only to add glamour to the film because her character has not been developed well, but I should say that to her credit, she lends the character a particular dignity and performs the role charmingly.

Child actor Izin Hash, who plays Nithin, is charming and extremely confident. In a brief cameo which comes almost when the climax is nearing, Lal leaves an impact with his role.

On the whole, I’d say that Nizhal is a onetime watch which is not only innovative but also unique though it lacks mass appeal