If you love comedies where a simple situation spirals into a whirlwind of chaos, then Nunakuzhi is the film you should watch this week. Directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Basil Joseph, this film is a delightful rollercoaster of humor and mayhem.
There’s something irresistibly charming about Basil Joseph on screen. Whether he’s in the throes of romance, making blunders, or facing hilarious predicaments, he brings a genuine and relatable quality to his roles. His performance in Nunakuzhi is no exception. Basil’s character, Eby, is a rich, clueless, and somewhat reckless young man who is thrust into managing his late father’s business empire. His portrayal captures the essence of many young Malayali men who find themselves in over their heads, and this relatability, coupled with his knack for physical comedy, makes his performance stand out.
A Plot Full of Unexpected Twists
Eby’s life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes obsessed with his new wife, Rimi, played by Nikhila Vimal. In a rather misguided move, he persuades Rimi to record their intimate moments on his personal laptop. The situation quickly goes awry when an Income Tax raid at Eby’s office results in the laptop being confiscated. When Rimi finds out and threatens drastic measures if Eby doesn’t get the laptop back, Eby embarks on a desperate mission. His attempts to recover the laptop only pull him deeper into a series of absurd situations, involving a divorcing couple (Grace Antony and Aju Varghese), a group of bumbling policemen (Baiju Santhosh, Azees Nedumangad, and others), a movie star (Manoj K Jayan), a film producer (Binu Pappu), and a dentist (Saiju Kurup). Each character’s blunders add to the comedic chaos, intertwining their lives in hilarious and unpredictable ways.
Jeethu Joseph’s Comedic Mastery
Jeethu Joseph, known for his gripping dramas like Drishyam, takes a refreshing leap into the world of comedy with Nunakuzhi. While his earlier films focused on intense family dramas and thrillers, this film showcases his ability to craft a comedy of errors with equal parts humor and suspense. Joseph’s direction, combined with KR Krishna Kumar’s sharp script, ensures that the film keeps the audience engaged and entertained from start to finish. The blend of realistic situations with humorous elements and occasional thriller twists makes the movie a captivating watch.
The style of Nunakuzhi might remind some viewers of the classic Priyadarshan-Mohanlal comedies, such as Poochakkoru Mookkuthi and Kilukkam. The film’s treatment of humor through chaotic situations and intertwined storylines evokes the charm of those beloved films. Jeethu Joseph’s approach, however, is more modern, balancing humor with a dynamic narrative that keeps viewers on their toes.
Nunakuzhi’s Skillful Storytelling and Effective Humor
The film employs a parallel narrative structure, skillfully linking various storylines without causing confusion. While the dialogue could have been sharper, the actors’ performances carry the comedic weight. Basil Joseph shines as the rich, clueless Eby, delivering a performance full of energy and nuance. His portrayal avoids crossing into cringe-worthy territory, finding the right balance between exaggeration and authenticity.
Supporting cast members such as Baiju Santhosh, Grace Antony, Siddique, Aju Varghese, Azees Nedumangad, Manoj K Jayan, Binu Pappu, and Althaf Salim contribute significantly to the film’s humor. Their impeccable timing and physical comedy enhance the chaotic atmosphere. Unfortunately, characters played by Nikhila Vimal and Lena are somewhat underdeveloped, limiting their impact.
A Strong Technical and Musical Backdrop
The film’s background score and title track, composed by Vishnu Shyam and written by Vinayak Sasikumar, add to its appeal, evoking a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic comedies. The work of DOP Satheesh Kurup and editor Vinayak VS deserves praise for their contributions, along with the costume design by Linta Jeethu and makeup by Ratheesh Vijayan.
For those who appreciate a comedy where a series of events lead to total chaos, Nunakuzhi is a must-watch. It may not appeal to fans of subtle humor, but its lively and over-the-top antics are perfect for anyone looking for a good laugh. Jeethu Joseph and Basil Joseph deliver a comedy that’s both entertaining and engaging, making Nunakuzhi a standout film in the genre.
