Unlike the usual psychopath movies, in "Amala", the audience knows about the killer, his past, and his present.
A poster of the film 'Amala'. (Supplied)
Amala (Malayalam)
The trailer of Amala suggested that the movie would be a psychological thriller — always a favourite genre for moviegoers.
The Tamil movie Por Thozhil (2023) is a brand-new flick that garnered appreciation from audiences and is doing well in theatres in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
At a time when this Sarath Kumar-starrer has set the cash registers ringing at the box office, a comparatively small-budget psychological thriller in Malayalam — Amala has been released in theatres.
It casts Anarkali Marikar and Appani Sharath in the lead roles. Is this movie having a good theatrical experience? Let’s check it out:
‘Amala’ is directed by Nishad Ebrahim, (Supplied)
Amala is a decent watch. It tells the story of serial killings and how top police officer Akbar (Tamil actor Srikanth) cracks the murder cases.
Set in high range and Kochi, the movie has an intense story. It gives a clear idea about the killer and the backstory of the psychopath is convincing. His childhood is shot well giving detailing to his character.
The trailer gave an idea of who the psychopath is. So, while watching Amala, it is not hard for an average viewer to understand the plot.
The story starts with a series of killings and the police conclude that these murders are done by a psychopath.
Spoiler alert: Interestingly, a convict who successfully escaped prison is found to be the serial killer.
Sreekanth appears as Akbar, a top cop who investigates the case. A shrewd officer, he is in search of the serial killer.
Appani Sharath plays a key role in ‘Amala’. (Supplied)
Meanwhile, Basil, an orphan boy, happens to be the jailbreak convict. Disguised as a taxi driver, Basil reaches a plantation bungalow. He gets a trip to the place where a mute and deaf woman, Sherin, lives.
On seeing her, Basil develops hallucinations. He thinks of his old childhood lover Amala who met a tragic end. Having been responsible for Amala’s death, Basil is sent to a juvenile home.
Having had an affection for Amala in his childhood, Basil feels that Amala is still alive and even sees her in some women. This makes him kill those women.
What happens when he is caught by the police forms a crucial twist in the movie.
According to Akbar, Basil has a different motive and the makers are given the option to bring out a sequel.
‘Amala’ is a psychological thriller. (Supplied)
Amala is not the usual psycho-path movie with the audience having an idea of who the killer is towards the climax. Here, the viewers know about the killer, his past and his present.
Its pace is slow initially. But after the interval, it catches up as Basil takes charge and starts his hunt.
Debutant director Nishad Ebrahim crafts the film nicely. It’s a good effort from a newcomer.
The soundtrack by Gopi Sundar is also an added advantage for the film. He did a movie after a long time in Malayalam.
The frames by Abhilash Shankar are good as they gave a feel to the high range.
Appani Sharath as Basil is the show stealer of Amala. He gets a good role after a long time.
Anarkali Marikar appears as Sherin, a mute and deaf woman. Her performance in the scene where she gets attacked is too good. The actress was earlier seen in Sulaikha Manzil (2023) and B32 Muthal 44 Vare (2023).
Srikanth as a police officer is impressive. His final action scenes with Appani Sharath are applause-worthy.
Bitto Davis as a cop in Akbar’s team is okayish.
Tamil actor Srikanth appears as a cop in ‘Amala’. (Supplied)
Amala is successful in showing how Basil becomes a killer in his childhood. But there are some flaws that need to be explained, as the makers plan to make a second part.
The actors in the initial scenes aren’t apt and their dialogues aren’t natural.
The storytelling is good but the movie initially lacks the pace needed for a psychological thriller.
Also, the background music isn’t up to the mark in certain scenes.
If these flaws are addressed, the sequel could be more interesting.
Amala is a psychological thriller that has fine performances by Appani Sharath and Anarkali Marikar. Though a decent watch, it could have been better.
(Views expressed are personal.)
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