Thekku Vadakku review: A watchable satire with caricature characters

Suraj Venjaramoodu and Vinayakan’s latest release, Thekku Vadakku, is about the male ego. However, unlike the other movies on the same concept, this movie deals with the issue with a satirical lens.

The director, Prem Shankar, adds a prolonged court case and borderline caricaturish characters, making Thekku Vadakku a series of unexpected situations, to which the lead characters react.

Without further ado, let us see how the film fared.

Also Read: Naslen and Khalid Rahman’s next titled ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’

Synopsis

The first half of the movie gives an insight into different characters, especially the lead characters — Shankunni (Suraj Venjaramoodu) and Madhavan (Vinayakan) — who were once friends but have drifted owing to family enmities and a legal case pending for the past 30 years in the local court in Palakkad district.

Throughout the film, we can see the duo playing cards, jogging in the morning, and having their tea from the same tea shop without one talking to each other directly.

Both Shankunni and Madhavan have typical character traits, with the former being a businessman and the latter a retired employee of the electricity department. Both of them also have the money to hold onto the case, in turn, holding onto the egos.

The major plot points of Thekku Vadakku, like how the friends drifted apart, what happened to the duo, and who won the case, are handled well by Prem Shankar.

As the movie nears the climax, the focus turns to the funeral of a key character, which if revealed will be a spoiler.

Shankunni and Madhavan are the main characters, with others supporting them to take the story forward.

Humorous script

The script by S Hareesh and Prem Shankar is the backbone of Thekku Vadakku.

Despite having a comical undertone, the film talks about important topics like the practice of caste and dowry. In one scene, Shankunni is seen branding his company as Namboodiri (a dominant caste surname) for business, despite him not belonging to the said caste.

In another storyline, we see a 63-year-old Madhavan having issues with his wife because her family hasn’t given him the promised dowry.

The rivalry between Shankunni and Madhavan, their hilarious fights, and the dramatic background scores for the leads remain the highlights of Thekku Vadakku.

Based in the picturesque Palakkad, the movie is a visual treat, with good music by Sam CS.

Also Read: Mammootty’s ‘Bramayugam’ makes it to Letterboxd’s top 10 horror films

The performances

The movie heavily depends on the strong performances by Suraj Venjaramoodu and Vinayakan.

Vinayakan’s portrayal of Madhavan stands out, as he dabbles between the traits of both a city person and a local guy. Madhavan is a well-learned person, wearing only shirts and pants. As claimed by him in the promotional interviews, Vinayakan craked the character.

After his terrific performance in Rajinikanth’s Jailer (2023), his role in Thekku Vadakku is another feather in his cap.

Suraj Venjaramoodu, on the other hand, has proved to be an actor who can do both comedy and serious roles.

The combination of the duo in the movie is the major highlight, and Suraj has shined as Shankunni. He showcased the emotions of revenge, jealousy, and helplessness in a very loud manner, without any flaws.

Other actors in the movie, mainly Merin Jose, Kottayam Ramesh, and others, had interesting roles.

Final take

Thekku Vadakku is an enjoyable satirical drama with some fine performances by Suraj Venjaramoodu and Vinayakan.

(Views expressed here are personal.)