Christopher review: A stylish Mammootty and a socially relevant theme make this cop story a good watch

Mammootty plays a cop — Christopher — yet again. Questions like who Christopher is and what his mission is all about make for an interesting and entertaining watch on screen.

Christopher is an officer of the rank of DSP in the Kerala Police. But his way of investigating cases makes his character controversial. He has a troubled past, which gives justification for his deeds.

The film’s story deals with many cases, mainly heinous rapes, and how Christopher comes to be connected to these cases.

Unlike Mammootty’s characters in Nanpakal Nerath Mayakkam and Rorschach, Christopher is dangerous. He dares to even go for extreme steps while investigating.

Director B Unnikrishnan uses the actor’s stardom to the fullest to draw crowds to the theatres and to entertain them.

Sensitive theme

Christopher deals with rape, a sensitive subject in modern India, where more cases are reported than earlier.

Writer Udaykrishna gives reference to the Nirbhaya case. A victim is even given the name of Dheera, establishing a connect with the Delhi gangrape case.

The script deals with various rape cases reported in India and also Christopher’s emotional connection with some of the characters.

Further, the movie talks about the extrajudicial killings and police encounters that have happened in the country.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Jana Gana Mana also dealt with a similar subject. But there is no similarity between the two.

Udaykrishna, the storyteller, is critical of the system of the country.

Christopher also showcases how tainted cops get support from higher officials.

Violence against women is a disturbing factor shown in the movie. The rape scenes are highly troubling for the average audience, who might find them difficult to watch.

Christopher’s encounters with these convicts to deliver justice are the highlight of the flick.

There is even a dialogue by Christopher, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” which forms the crux of the story — a deeply committed officer’s fight against sexual predators.

But, post-interval, the story gets stuck on one case and all the other cases remain as references for Christopher’s heroic and emotional acts.

#Christopher In Cinemas from Today@FilmChristopher @unnikrishnanb pic.twitter.com/Bp9tzcDw8P

— Mammootty (@mammukka) February 9, 2023

A galaxy of actors

The movie has several actors. Tamil actor Sarathkumar appears in a crucial role.

Tamil actress Sneha is seen as Home Secretary (State). She is Mammootty’s partner and has a pivotal role.

However, there is nothing much to perform for her as importance is given to Christopher.

Aishwarya Lekshmi appears for some time as the activist lawyer. Her role has some meat, but this is not one of her excellent performances.

Shine Tom Chacko gets a good role as a corrupt DySP. The director seems to be particular in making him look stylish with goggles and slow-motion scenes, which exhibit his masculinity.

The other actors — like Dileesh Pothan as Abhijith, a senior policeman — are forgettable.

But Amala Paul as Sulekha gets her share as one of the major actors. She, too, has a troubled past which makes her role prominent.

Tamil actor Vinay Rai plays the main antagonist, Thiru Moorthy, with limited screen time compared to other actors.

However, that doesn’t make any problem for the movie, which is focused on Christopher’s heroics.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.. 🔥

How is the First Half.. ?? Comment your Feedbacks 🔥🔥#Mammootty @mammukka #Christopher @unnikrishnanb pic.twitter.com/wZUXeCAWwm

— Christopher Movie (@FilmChristopher) February 9, 2023

Technical aspects

Christopher is a technically well-made movie, with a special mention needed for the cinematography by Faiz Siddique.

The background music by Justin Varghese, particularly in scenes involving Mammootty, gives goosebumps to the actor’s fans.

The project is a better film from B Unnikrishan, who got criticism for his previous movie Aarattu. He is meant to do big films and this one is pacy and stylish, too.

Verdict

Christopher is a visual feast for the masses who get to watch Mammootty in a stylish avatar.

Delivered with a socially-relevant theme, it serves as a good comeback for Udaykrishna and B Unnikrishnan.

(Views expressed are personal.)