Impressions: Pazhassi Raja

Finally, the long awaited Pazhassi Raja from the Mamooty-M.T.Vasudevan Nair-Hariharan trio has hit the screens. I wondered when I could see it on the big screens in Pune. Fortunately, it hit the Pune screens within one week of its release.

The movie keeps you rivetted every moment, MT Vasudevan's script is well-researched, the action scenes are brilliant and the background score keeps the tempo. Sharath Kumar as Edachena Kunkan stands out, though everyone has given an impressive performance. Except, Padmapriya - who is irritating with her strange Malayalam accent. Perhaps the character of the tribal girl Nili demanded it.

A good movie to watch. Comparison to the famed trio's 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' are inevitable, but difficult to justify. 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' is based on a regional legend which gave the makers ample creative license and M.T. Vasudevan Nair used it to brilliant effect in turning the story of Chandu on its head, while 'Pazhassi Raja' had to stick to history. Ofcourse, the music is disappointing as compared to the melodies of 'Ori Vadakkan Veeragatha'.