Athithi Movie Review
Review Overview
Narration
Performances
Technical Aspects & BGM
Fairly Engaging!
Athithi directed by Bharathan definitely has its moments. It could have been an engaging watch but the poorly constructed comedy scenes and the grueling pace make it an ordinary tale.
Cast : Nandha, Nikesh Ram, Ananya, Thambi Ramaiah, Varsha & others.
Cinematography : Jai
Music : Bharathwaj, Ratheesh Vegha
Editing : Praveen KL
Direction : Bharathan
Production : Spell Bound Films
Run Time : 135 mins
Release Date : 27.06.2014
Athithi directed by Bharathan definitely has its moments. It could have been an engaging watch but the poorly constructed comedy scenes and the grueling pace make it an ordinary tale.
Nanda and Ananya are a happy couple. Nanda is a busy businessman but a loving husband and Ananya is a caring and affectionate wife who understands the needs of her husband. Their chemistry is the only heartening factor in the film. Both have of them have done their roles with utmost conviction.
One fine day, things turn topsy-turvy in couple’s life when an uninvited stranger requests for a lift in their long car ride. All hell breaks loose later on when Nikesh Ram (who plays stranger) behaves quite eccentric for reasons only known to him. He kidnaps their children, he tortures Nandha to reveal his corporate secrets to rivals and many more events genuinely make us invested in this hide and seek between the trio. The curious study of Nikesh Ram’s bizarre behavior and the ultimate motive behind his actions form the third-act, the much-anticipated revelation.
When you make a starkly realistic thriller, that too only with a handful of characters, a rock-solid writing and a stellar casting are indispensable. Here, though the writing has been passable, Nikesh Ram’s acting feels amateurish and he evidently comes across as a rookie. His character is the cornerstone of the plot and it’s disappointing to witness a broken performance. Thambi Ramaiah’s comedies are a misfit in the story and this forced inclusion at the expense of narrative economy clearly go against the film and spoils the momentum.
Director Bharathan fairly succeeds in keeping you engaged till the climax by keeping the suspense element intact. But, it could have an engrossing thriller had the director opted for an experienced cast and an uncompromising writing.
Editor Praveen KL deserves a mention. His strikingly unconventional cuts make some sequences really interesting to watch. Composer Baradwaj has made a forgettable comeback.
As you keep thinking of possible permutations and combinations on your mind about the possible conclusion, the intensity and the build-up to the final revelation is justified with a highly unanticipated climax which might just take you by surprise.