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Vinodayathra Dileep
Malayalam movie
Vinoda Yathra review
'Vinodayathra' offers
an enjoyable ride despite pitfalls
By C.P. Parashuram
Film: "Vinodayathra"; Cast: Dileep, Mukesh, Meera Jasmine,
Murali and Nedumudi Venu; Director: Sathyan Anthikkad; Music:
Ilayaraja; Producer: M.M. Hamsa
Director Sathyan Anthikkad has a penchant for exploring filial
bonding in his films with a wry sense of humour. He does it
again in his latest offering "Vinodayathra" which
has Dileep in the lead role.
The film tells the story of a young man, who refuses to take
responsibility for his actions and his eventual transformation.
Vinod (Dileep) is a postgraduate in computer application but he
does not stick on to any job because he ends up fighting with
the employers. He fails even in farming as he
keeps fighting with others in the area
When nothing works, he is sent to his brother-in-law Shaji (Mukesh),
a hardworking and honest man, who takes life very seriously. The
expected everyday conflicts occur
when two opposite personality types - Vindo and Shaji - start
living under the same roof.
Shaji does not like Vinod's frivolous attitude and he is also
concerned about his college-going sister Reshmi (Parvathi of
'Notebook' fame). He doesn't want any kind of
fondness to grow between his sister and Vinod.
Shaji finds a job for Vinod with a retired police officer, John
Mathew (Nedumudi Venu), as a personal assistant to help the
ex-cop write a book about his eventful life. Shaji
convinces Vinod that he can learn many things from the great
man, but John treats him like a servant.
The story takes a serious turn in the second half when Vinod
meets Anupama (Meera Jasmine) - an engineering student who drops
out to take care of her family after her
father (a police constable played by Murali) is injured in a
communal riot. She manages to impress Vinod.
The film is not without its clichés. The character of Anupama is
an obvious case in point but Meera manages to rise above the
written character and makes us empathise
with her.
Dileep fits his role like the hand in a glove. He makes a
success of his first film as a hero with director Anthikkad.
Mukesh, too, deserves applause. His performance in the first
half forms the film's spine. Of the supporting cast, Paravathy
does well in her minuscule role. Child artist
Ganapathy provides us with some hilarious moments. Nedumudi Venu,
however, hams all the way.
Ilayaraja's music has become trademark of Anthikkad films. Here
also we are offered the standard fare expected from the maestro.
Despite its flaws, 'Vinodayathra' provides us a fun ride.
IANS.
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