“Kondal,” directed by Ajith Mampally and starring Antony Varghese Pepe, Raj B Shetty, and Shabeer Kallarakkal, brings us the familiar tale of vengeance wrapped in a tense atmosphere set against a fishing boat at sea. Although the film had the potential to stand out in the action-revenge genre, its lackluster script and muddled character development prevented it from leaving a lasting impact. Despite having some redeeming factors, such as action sequences and strong performances from the lead cast, the film falters with inconsistent pacing, unclear motives, and underwhelming execution.
Kondal Malayalam Movie Review
Contents
Kondal Malayalam Movie Plot Summary:
The film introduces us to Immanuel aka Manuel (Antony Varghese Pepe), a man from a coastal village in Anchuthengu, Thiruvananthapuram, struggling with self-destructive behavior fueled by drinking. Manuel is fiercely devoted to his family despite his reckless lifestyle, particularly after the village faces a crisis. The crisis emerges when Stephen and Sons, a local fish supplier, is exposed for selling rotten fish, leading to bad publicity for the village’s fishermen. As tensions rise, Manuel steps in to defend the honor of the village, and the confrontation turns violent.
As the conflict spirals, Manuel finds himself forced to flee his village. He takes refuge on a fishing boat leaving from Munambam Harbour in Ernakulam, where his brother, Daniel aka Danny (Raj B Shetty), had once worked. Soon, Manuel discovers shocking truths about his brother’s death, which was believed to be an accident. Manuel’s journey then becomes one of vengeance, as he uncovers the conspiracies behind Danny’s murder while navigating a boat full of suspicious and hostile crew members, particularly Jude (Shabeer Kallarakkal) and Michael (Rahul Rajagopal).
Kondal Malayalam Movie Cast:
- Shabeer Kallarakkal
- Jaya Kurup
- Nandu Madhav
- Gauthami Nair
- Pratibha
- Manikanda Rajan
- Sarath Sabha
- Raj B. Shetty
- Siraj
- Usha
- Antony Varghese
- Pramod Velliyanad
What Works:
1. Antony Varghese Pepe’s Performance: Antony, with his rugged persona and action prowess, shines in the intense sequences. His portrayal of the tormented and determined Manuel is one of the film’s major strengths. Although his character’s motivations are sometimes unclear, Antony’s physicality and presence keep the film afloat.
2. Raw Action Sequences: The film excels in its raw and gritty fight scenes, which take place both on land and at sea. The confined, tension-filled atmosphere of the fishing boat is effectively used to elevate the action. The choreography, though not exceptional, successfully captures the intensity of hand-to-hand combat, leveraging the claustrophobic setting to amplify the stakes.
3. Cinematography: Deepak D Menon’s cinematography stands out, especially in the sequences set at sea. The vast, unchanging backdrop of the ocean reflects the isolation and desperation of the characters, while the film’s use of light and shadow adds to its moody aesthetic.
4. Background Score: Sam CS’s music enhances the film’s emotional beats and its action sequences. The background score provides a gripping undertone to the narrative, ensuring that even during its slower moments, the tension remains palpable.
What Doesn’t Work:
1. Weak Script and Aimless Pacing: The film’s biggest flaw lies in its lackluster script. The story, while familiar, never develops in a satisfying way. Important plot points are often left unexplored, and characters act without clear motivations, leaving the audience in the dark for most of the film. Instead of building suspense, the story meanders without a strong direction.
2. Poor Character Development: Many of the film’s characters are introduced with considerable buildup but disappear or have no significant impact on the plot. For instance, characters like Gauthami Nair’s role seem important initially but are underutilized. This lack of clarity regarding characters’ identities and purposes hampers audience engagement.
3. Inconsistent Tension: The film starts with a premise ripe for a tense, character-driven thriller, but fails to maintain the tension throughout. After the initial setup, the plot meanders until the interval, with scenes of Manuel’s confrontations lacking the necessary suspense. Even after key revelations about Danny’s death are made, the tension does not build compellingly.
4. Dialogue and Dubbing Issues: The dialogues in the film feel forced and old-fashioned, making it difficult for the actors to elevate the material. Additionally, the decision to dub Raj B Shetty’s voice with an ill-fitting artist distracts viewers, as it fails to capture the actor’s unique cadence, which many in the audience would recognize from his Kannada films.
5. Unexplored Subplots: Several subplots, such as Aloshy’s (Manikanda Rajan) tragic fall and his family’s plight, are introduced but left unresolved. Similarly, the motivations behind Jude and Michael’s actions towards Manuel are never fully explained, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.
Kondal Malayalam Movie Cast Performances:
- Antony Varghese Pepe delivers a solid performance, carrying much of the film on his shoulders. His portrayal of Manuel, though inconsistent in terms of character development, showcases his talent for intense roles.
- Raj B Shetty impresses in his limited screen time, though the poor dubbing hampers his character’s impact.
- Shabeer Kallarakkal as Jude offers a decent performance, but the weak writing limits his character’s potential.
- Rahul Rajagopal as Michael delivers a somewhat cartoonish performance, with his character mostly reduced to a scowl throughout the film.
Verdict:
Despite a promising premise, Kondal falls short due to its uneven pacing, poor script, and underdeveloped characters. While the film offers some thrilling action sequences and is bolstered by strong performances from Antony Varghese Pepe and Raj B Shetty, it ultimately lacks the cohesion needed to make it a compelling revenge thriller. With a tighter script and more focused direction, Kondal could have been a much stronger film, but as it stands, it is an average action film with limited appeal.
Kondal Malayalam Movie Director:
Director: Ajith Mampally.
Kondal Malayalam Movie Writer:
Writer: Ajith Mampally, Roylin Robert. Satheesh Thonakkal.
Where To Watch Kondal Malayalam Movie:
Kondal Malayalam Movie is available to watch in Theaters.
Kondal Malayalam Movie Rating:
Rating: 2.5/5
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the plot of Kondal?
Kondal revolves around Manuel, a man from a coastal village who embarks on a journey of vengeance after discovering the truth about his brother Danny’s death while working on a fishing boat.
2. Who stars in Kondal?
The main cast includes Antony Varghese Pepe as Manuel, Raj B Shetty as Danny, and Shabeer Kallarakkal as Jude.
3. Who directed Kondal?
Kondal is directed by Ajith Mampally in his debut film.
4. What are the strengths of Kondal?
The film’s strengths include Antony Varghese Pepe’s performance, raw action sequences, cinematography, and background score.
5. What are the weaknesses of Kondal?
Kondal’s weaknesses lie in its weak script, poor character development, inconsistent tension, and unresolved subplots.
6. Where was Kondal filmed?
Kondal was filmed primarily in coastal villages and on fishing boats at sea, adding to its gritty atmosphere.
7. Is Kondal worth watching?
While Kondal offers some decent action sequences and solid performances, it is held back by its flawed script and pacing issues, making it a mixed bag for viewers.
8. What is the rating of Kondal?
Kondal has been rated 2.5/5 stars for its action and performances but is let down by inconsistent writing.
9. How long is Kondal?
Kondal runs for approximately 2 hours, though its pacing makes it feel longer.
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