Priyadarshini aka Priya played by Nazriya Nazim, a homemaker, struggling to find a job, experiences topsy-turvy when she crosses with the enigmatic and eccentric owner of Grace Bakers, Manuel played by Basil Joseph. Manuel charms the locals but creates suspicion in Priya's mind as she observes something fishy that none notice.
When mysterious incidents begin to shake the community, from the house being set on fire to disappearing into nowhere is Grace, Manuel's elderly mother, played by Manohari Joy it all takes a darker turn.
As Priya digs deeper, helped by her devoted neighbors, even amidst the resistance from her husband, she comes to know that there is something evilly designed about lies, manipulation, and an unspeakable family secret. The dark motives that Manuel harbors lead to chill twists that make the crescendo a dramatic showdown for unveiling the truth.
The Good Aspects:
The film is a good blend of suspense, social commentary, and emotional depth merged in such a way that creates a powerful edge-of-the-seat experience and a critique of societal norms long overdue and the extreme measures people are willing to take to preserve them.
Opening and building the world like any other well-written Malayalam film we witness these days it takes its own sweet time to establish the story, narrative, and characters that boil down towards a satisfactory ending.
The Performances:
Nazriya Nazim shines in her portrayal of Priyadarshini with her determination and resilience drive the film. Her ability to seamlessly transition from vulnerability to strength anchors the story and creates an emotional connection with the audience. Basil Joseph delivers an equally gripping performance as Manuel, a character shrouded in ambiguity. His charm and underlying menace make him a complex and intriguing figure.
Manohari Joy is as excellent as Grace. She can stay in the mind way after one has finished the movie. Her subtle version of a supposedly aged woman caught in the mesh of lies and secrecy adds an emotional layer to the narrative. The trio along with the supporting cast elevates the movie, thus never letting it breathe, keeping it gripping and immersion-intensive throughout
The Bad Aspects:
But it is not a perfect film it will be remembered amongst the good dark comedy thrillers, yet it doesn't take away the fact that there are some minor issues with the film visibly evident. While the film is undoubtedly engaging, it does suffer from pacing issues. The setting and characters are established over such a long time that some viewers might find it challenging to wait through the movie. The slow build-up, although intentional, could have been tightened a little more to maintain a gripping pace all along
Conclusion:
Overlooking the minor flaws the film is worth your watch with its exploration of societal norms, human motivations, and the lengths people go to protect their secrets. Directed with precision and layered storytelling, this film offers a unique blend of suspense, emotional resonance, and social commentary, leaving a lasting impression on its audience, but still with a few negatives like I felt it takes too much time to lead its narrative and I felt distracted in some part feeling but still it is worth your watch. You can watch it on Disney+ Hotstar, available in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.
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