The raw treatment of the story makes it an experimental action thriller worth watching on the big screens.
A poster of the film 'Anchakkallakokkan'. (Supplied)
Anchakkallakokkan is the latest outing of director Ullas Chemban, the brother of actor Chemban Vinod Jose. The film title raised curiosity among audiences as it refers to evil forces mentioned in folktales.
Anchakkallakokkan is an imaginary tale narrated experimentally by debutant Ullas. However, the filmmaker seems inspired by Lijo Jose Pellissery’sworks, which usually have raw storylines and characters.
Ullas appeared as a police officer in Angamaly Diaries (2017), directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Now, let’s check how his directorial debut fares:
‘Anchakalakokkan’ is set in the 1980s in a village. (X)
Anchakkallakokkan is set in 1986 in Kalahasthi, a village located along the borders of Kerala and Karnataka. The terrain of this village is high range.
Interestingly, the makers refer to the Thankamany shooting in its initial scenes.
Chapra (Sreejith Ravi), a wealthy person who owns many plantations, is attacked by unknown people. His sons Jerry Gillapi (Merin Jose) and Jarwi Gillapi (Praveen) seethe with revenge.
Nadavaramban Peter (Chemban Vinod Jose) is a shrewd and well-behaved police constable.
Vasudevan (Lukman Avaran) is a new police recruit whose first posting is in Kalahasti.
These cops investigate the Chapra attack. They face immense pressure as elections are around the corner.
Even as the probe is on, Shankarabharanam aka Shankaran (Manigandan Achary) surrenders himself before the police in the Chapra attack case.
Post-interval, the plot has more revelations that keep the audience glued to their seats.
The story of Anchakkallakokkan is presented in “Porattu Nadakam” style. At a time when oppression was at its peak in Kerala, the art form of “Porattu Nadakam” was used as a tool to create awareness among amasses (lower castes).
The movie also showcases how wealthy people and the system (police) oppress the backward castes.
Shankaran is from a backward caste and he is brutally tortured in a police station.
Vasudevan’s father performs “Porattu Nadakam“. The father’s character recollects the insults he faced during his childhood and when he was posted as a constable when he stood for the oppressed.
The film also highlights many burning issues like paedophiles and sexual assaults.
How these oppressed people wage a war against their perpetrators forms the crux of the movie.
Lukman Avaran plays a cop in the movie. (X)
A major highlight of Anchakkallakokkan is its setting.
The Malayalam flick has some good moments, especially in the climax portions.
The action sequences in the police station for more than 20 minutes are brilliantly shot.
The chaos created by Chapra’s sons is also captured well by cinematographer Arun Mohan.
The stunt master must be appreciated for the raw action choreography.
The funky background score by Manigandan Ayyapa is another highlight of the flick. It elevates many scenes.
The song inside the toddy shop and the stunts in between are lovely.
Another highlight of Anchakkallakokkan is the names of the characters. The new generation is not familiar with these names since the story is set in the 1990s.
The movie gets on track after the interval since the incidents shown in the first half lack depth.
The film also has too much violence.
Anchakkallakokkan has several actors who appear in small roles.
Lukman Avaran, as Vasudevan — a police constable with less confidence, rises to the situation at crucial points. The young actor pulls off the action scenes effortlessly.
Chemban Vinod Jose plays the meaty role of Neduvaramban Peter, a crooked policeman. His bald look is apt for the character, which has many dimensions.
Megha Thomas, as Padmini, plays a crucial role and does justice to it.
Given the limitations of Chapra’s role, Sreejith Ravi has nothing to offer. He is underutilised.
Praveen TJ and Merin Jose, as Gillapi brothers, are decent.
Manigandan Achary, as Shankaran, is a treat to watch.
Anchakkallakokkan is a revenge saga set against “Porattu Nadakam”. The raw treatment of the story makes it an experimental action thriller worth watching on the big screens.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
Apr 30, 2024
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