ED Extra Decent story: Binu, a middle-aged man residing with his parents, uncovers a troubling secret about them. This revelation compels the seemingly typical family to confront their hidden truths and deceptions, while also revealing their sinister motives.

ED Extra Decent review: Appearances can be misleading. An ordinary family, consisting of two caring parents, a son, and a daughter, may conceal unsettling secrets that remain unnoticed by outsiders. In the film ED Extra Decent, directed by Aamir Pallikkal and written by Aashif Kakkodi, the narrative explores the repercussions within such a seemingly 'decent' family when one member discovers a profound secret that jeopardizes their relationships and unveils their self-serving agendas.

The film centres on a family of four, featuring Sudheer Karamana and Vinaya Prasad as the parents, alongside siblings Suraj Venjaramoodu and Grace Antony. Suraj’s character, Binu, was raised under strict discipline imposed by his father, which has hindered his ability to achieve anything significant in life, leading to his father's disdain. However, upon discovering a troubling secret about his parents, Binu's demeanour shifts dramatically from that of a compliant son to a domineering figure. Frustrated by his toxic behaviour, the parents concoct an unexpected plan, but an unforeseen event compels both them and Binu to reassess their circumstances.

ED Extra Decent is categorized as a dark comedy. Although its characters depict a seemingly typical family, they possess complex, morally ambiguous traits, a rarity in family-oriented films. This complexity presents both intrigue and challenges. It is intriguing as it allows the creators to explore various character dynamics, surprising the audience with their motives. Conversely, the challenge lies in the necessity for robust writing and character development; without these elements, the film risks losing viewer engagement. In a narrative like ED Extra Decent, where events unfold rapidly and the relationship between the son and his parents fluctuates, it becomes difficult to re-engage the audience if they stray from the storyline.

The film falters in its execution, despite presenting a compelling concept that delves into the madness—occasionally verging on sociopathic traits—exhibited by certain families. The writer, Aashif, introduces themes of fear, selfishness, and manipulation to narrate this familial tale, opting for these darker emotions rather than more uplifting sentiments such as love and empathy. However, he struggles to convey these themes effectively. While the character's sinister motives are apparent, they remain somewhat ambiguous.

Suraj delivers a commendable performance, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Binu—ranging from controlling to considerate, and even unhinged. Yet, there is an underlying sense that, despite his menacing demeanour, he may not fully act on his threats. This aspect only comes to fruition towards the conclusion, but it feels as though the filmmakers are imploring the audience to remain engaged with a few comedic interludes that ultimately detract from the pacing. Vinaya Prasad is given a substantial role and stands out as one of the more thoughtfully developed characters in the film.

The narrative could have benefited from a greater emphasis on the family dynamics following Binu's accident and subsequent memory loss, rather than concentrating on comedic interactions among unrelated characters in the hospital. This shift would have helped maintain suspense throughout the story. Additionally, Ankit Menon's musical score in these segments tends to be excessive, although the psycho-themed song and the one depicting Binu's struggles are well-integrated into the storyline.

ED Extra Decent verdict: For enthusiasts of dark comedies, ED Extra Decent is a film that merits viewing, primarily due to the creators' intentions and Suraj's commendable performance. While it offers moments of enjoyment and humor, it ultimately falls short of its potential, as the most promising concepts require more refined execution.

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