Adios Amigo review: Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu are show-stealers in this feel-good entertainer

Asif Ali’s Adios Amigo evoked high expectations much before its release, as Asif Ali’s latest outings—Thalavan and Level Cross—received a positive reception from audiences.

Debutant director Nahas Nazar told South First that it is a feel-good entertainer.

While the movie is an honest attempt at narrating a clean story, it has its flaws too. With much ado, let’s check what Adios Amigo is about.

The story begins by showcasing the life of Priyan (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a painter in Kochi. He hails from Idukki and belongs to the working class. Priyan is in desperate need of money as his mother is hospitalised.

One day, he meets an unexpected person named Prince (played by Asif Ali) near a bus stand in Ernakulam. Interestingly, the name of Asif Ali’s character is revealed only at the end.

Prince is an eccentric character. He is the son of a wealthy man from Kollam, but an accident changes his life. He is now an alcoholic and a spendthrift.

Priyan sets out on a journey with Prince, hoping to get some money for his mother’s treatment. However, things don’t go as planned for him. During their journey, Priyan realises that Prince has no money.

Meanwhile, he encounters Prince’s ex-girlfriend Hema (Anagha). Her character plays a key role in the movie.

In all, Adios Amigo revolves around the journey of Priyan and Prince and the challenges they face together. Throughout their journey to Trivandrum, they make several stops at different locations.

Will Priyan get the money to treat his mother? Can Prince reconcile with his family?—The film answers these questions in a runtime of two hours and 39 minutes.

Related: Candid chat with Adios Amigo director Nahas Nazar

Highlights

Adios Amigo takes its time to establish its characters in the first half, which works well. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Asif Ali’s roles carry depth and are well-written, thanks to Thankam.

The first half of the film has a strong script. The scenes between Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu near the bus stand, during the bus travel, and at the five-star hotel in Kollam are executed well.

Another major highlight of Adios Amigo is Anagha’s character, who is portrayed as a woman with positivity. She is well aware of Prince’s reality—that he is married and has a child.

While travelling to Trivandrum, Prince tracks Hema’s whereabouts, not with wrong intentions but only to ensure that she is living happily.

Some scenes in the second half, like the one with the taxi driver (by Vineeth Thattil), could have been avoided because they make no sense.

Further, the film could have been trimmed to make it crisp because the lengthy duration makes it occasionally boring.

Related: Adios Amigo trailer promises a fun ride

Performances

Adios Amigo will be remembered for the strong performances by Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu. Their on-screen chemistry is a visual treat for fans and moviegoers.

Asif Ali’s physical transformation into a bald man, his efforts in speaking in the Paravur dialect, and his body language portrayal of an alcoholic are noteworthy elements of the film.

Similarly, Suraj Venjaramoodu’s subtle performance as Priyan is a standout role for the actor.

Anagha delivers a solid performance as Hema. Although her role is small, it is impactful.

Adios Amigo boasts strong technical aspects, including soulful music by Gopi Sundar and Jakes Bejoy. Jakes Bejoy’s background score complements the scenes and moods.

Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography is another major highlight. He brilliantly captures the stunning visuals of the backwaters in Kollam and Alappuzha on the camera. The shots in Kochi are an eye feast.

Final take

Adios Amigo is a feel-good entertainer with standout performances by Asif Ali and Suraj Venjaramoodu. It beautifully explores the theme of friendship.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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