Kaaval, a Malayalam movie released earlier this week. Playing into the theme of strong male protagonists playing Knights in shining armor to damsels in distress. It is directed by Nithin Renji Panicker. And star Suresh Gopi and Renji Panicker in main roles. Antony (Renji Panicker) lives with his daughter Rachel and son Alex in the hills of Idukki. Among the lush green plantations, this little family is suffering from poverty, being outcasts, and the constant trouble from money lenders. Antony in his youth was quite a revolutionary. Going against authority, cruel money lenders, and criminals, Antony along with Thampan (Suresh Gopi) were revered and feared in the town. The duo most of the time took matters into their own hands. Delivering justice where they thought justice didn't reach on time. This made the town police and other influential goons their enemies. When everything they did ends in a tragedy for a police officer, they are attacked and separated. Thampan leaves town after Antony's wife forbids him from seeing Antony. She believes he was the reason for all the misfortune that has befallen them. But soon, Antony's children need Thampan's help from the local thugs who have made their lives a living hell. Thampan returns, vowing to remain as a guard, protecting Antony and his family. With dialogues delivered in Suresh Gopi's deep voice, his towering personality, and action sequences, Kaaval does a decent job of keeping you hooked till the end. For fans of Suresh Gopi with long, passionate monologues often written by Renji Panicker in the past, Kaaval might be slow dragging delight and nostalgia. But for the rest of us, the plot is tried and tested formula. Crime-fighting rebels standing against the world. The plot is your typical, heroes rising against the big bad guys of the world and ultimately winning. With a few emotional collateral damage on the way. But Kaaval has soulful music, predictable plot, massy dialogues, and blazing action sequences. For a mindless entertainer, look no further. Kaaval will be more than enough to get you through a lazy afternoon. BY SB
