“Malaikottai Vaaliban,” the Lijo Jose Pellissery’s takes audiences on an immersive journey revolving around Mohanlal’s character, Malaikottai Vaaliban, an aging warrior wandering from village to village, engaging in fights and earning admiration. It is an an entertaining Fusion of Fantasy, Fights, and Folklore.
This is the first time the Angamaly Diaries director and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal are joining forces and expectations ran high before the fictional period film’s release.
Drawing inspiration from the classic tale of Gulliver’s Travels, this enchanting period fantasy unfolds with Mohanlal stepping into the role of Malaikottai Vaaliban. A seasoned warrior navigating the passage of time, Malaikottai Vaaliban roams across villages, engaging in battles that earn him commendations. The narrative takes a captivating turn when, during a brief halt in a village, the mesmerizing Rangapattinam Rangarani (played by Sonalee Kulkarni) graces the scene with a folk dance performance. Amidst the picturesque setting, a potential romantic spark ignites between Malaikottai Vaaliban and Rangarani.
However, the tranquility is disrupted as an argument ensues between Malaikottai Vaaliban and Chamathakan (portrayed by Danish Sait) over Rangarani. This disagreement escalates when Chamathakan challenges Malaikottai Vaaliban to a duel in his home village, Mangodu. The stage is set for a clash of warriors amid the backdrop of village life.
Malaikottai Vaaliban is a visually stunning movie, Mohanlal shines in all aspects
Emerging victorious in the Mangodu fight, Malaikottai Vaaliban presses on, heading towards the Ambathur fortress. However, the relentless Chamathakan, driven by a dangerous mix of vengeance and seething anger, tails him with the sole purpose of seeking revenge. What unfolds next in Malaikottai Vaaliban’s journey holds the promise of gripping encounters and unfolding drama.
The storyline, or lack thereof, unfolds at a snail pace, allowing viewers to soak in the stunning visuals crafted by cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan. The film’s protagonist, portrayed by the 63-year-old Mohanlal, showcases remarkable physical prowess during intense fight scenes, creating moments of brilliance.
The film’s second half, leaves the audience somewhat puzzled. The jagged fantasy script, though commendable for its uniqueness, lacks the cohesion needed for an engaging story. Despite its shortcomings, the movie boasts strong elements of Indian folk culture, drawing parallels to Westerns and Japanese folk and samurai traditions.
The musical score, composed by Prashant Pillai, seamlessly blends old and new elements, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Mohanlal’s stellar performance, especially in fight scenes, solidifies his role as the backbone of the film. Danish Sait, in the role of the antagonist Chamathakan, delivers a convincing performance, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Sonalee Kulkarni complements the cast with her captivating portrayal of the danseuse Rangarani.
While “Malaikottai Vaaliban” could have few more notch above to enthrall Mohanlal fans, it undeniably showcases Lijo Jose Pellissery’s penchant for pushing cinematic boundaries. The film’s unpredictable nature adds to its fantasy charm, making it an intriguing watch for those who appreciate the startle element in cinema.
Shot over 130 days in locations spanning Rajasthan, Chennai, and Pondicherry, ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ boasts of a stellar cast, including Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, and Danish Sait among several other actors. The film, accompanied by the enthralling music of Prashant Pillai, promises a captivating mix of period drama and gripping action sequences.