Maranamass movie review

Cast: Basil Joseph, Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony, Suresh Krishna, Siju Sunny, Anishma Anilkumar 

Director: Sivaprasad Star rating: ★★★

The close friendship between actor-writer-director Basil Joseph and actor-producer Tovino Thomas is widely recognized among film enthusiasts. They frequently collaborate on various projects, and after Basil gifted Tovino a superhero role in Minnal Murali, it is now Tovino's turn to present Basil with a comedic sigma male character in Marannamass.

The premise

In Kerala, a serial killer targeting elderly men and stuffing the state's renowned Poovan banana into their mouths has instilled fear among the populace. Known as the 'Banana Killer,' this individual has particularly unsettled the villagers of Vallikkunnu. The film reveals the identity of the killer and the childhood trauma driving his murderous spree early on, as well as his methods for selecting victims. While the police are on the hunt for the Banana Killer, another individual, Luke PP (Basil Joseph), is causing significant disruption in the village. The authorities mistakenly apprehend him, believing he is the serial killer, but they are mistaken.

Identifying himself as a sigma male, Luke is a modern YouTuber and influencer who takes it upon himself to expose the hidden secrets of others, not out of malice, but with the intention of improving society. He has publicly revealed the panchayat head's porn search history and even listed the local police station for sale on OLX due to their lack of action. Frustrated by his behavior, the villagers collectively raise ₹16 lakhs to send him away to Czechoslovakia. The final blow for Luke comes when his girlfriend Jessie (Anishma Anilkumar) ends their relationship, citing his failure to take life seriously. Determined to win her back, Luke's plans take an unexpected turn during a bus journey that Jessie is on. One night, Jessie finds herself on a bus with Luke, the driver Jikku, the conductor Aruvi, an elderly man, and a stranger, and it is during this bus ride that the entire narrative unfolds.

What works for Maranamass

Recently, Basil Joseph has been making efforts to venture beyond his comfort zone, as seen in projects like Ponman, Praavinkoodu Shappu, and Nunnakuzhi, by embracing unconventional characters. His role as Luke PP exemplifies this, showcasing his comedic talent while portraying a Gen Z Sigma male who struggles to fit in, despite his flamboyant attire, blonde hair, and faded haircut.

Basil has effectively embodied the character of Luke, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Rajesh Madhavan, Suresh Krishna, Siju Sunny, Babu Antony, and Anishma Anilkumar. Each actor has delivered commendable performances, and the chemistry among them enhances the scenes, bringing vibrancy even when the dialogue falls short.

In Maranamass, debutant Sivaprasad, who co-wrote the film with Siju Sunny, presents a dark comedy focused on Luke. Much of the humor is derived from slapstick and situational comedy, heavily laced with pop culture references designed to provoke laughter. For instance, the trend of pre-wedding photoshoots is humorously parodied with a 'save the date' shoot in a graveyard, while a police officer is humorously nicknamed Tiger sir due to his habit of carrying Tiger Balm. However, not all comedic moments land successfully, primarily due to inconsistencies in the screenplay, particularly in the second half.

Each main character is imbued with unique quirks that help sustain the narrative, which occasionally hits a lull, reminiscent of the bus journey shared by Luke and Jessie. Produced by Tovino Thomas, Maranamass is largely an entertaining and chaotic experience that offers a fun ride.

Read Also: Rakshasa Review: A Time-Loop Tale That Trips Over Its Own Scares

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