With his maiden venture ‘Detective’, director Jeethu Joseph proved that he has a flair for penning and executing investigative thrillers. However, he changed track in his next two movies. But then, earlier this year, he came up with the well-executed suspense thriller ‘Memories’. And for his latest outing ‘Drishyam’, Jeethu attempts a splendid mix of emotions, relationships, suspense and thrill. End result: a spectacular cinematic experience. The greatest strength of ‘Drishyam’ is the script penned by the director himself. It has all the major ingredients to attract the moviegoers, irrespective of gender, age and cinematic tastes. Besides, it has the potential to attract even the so-called ‘new-gen’ crowd. Jeethu has not tried anything too unconventional. He has simply portrayed the struggle of an ordinary man, Georgekutty (Mohanlal), to protect his family, which is the most important thing is in his life. The protagonist does not traverse any extraordinarily heroic path in his endeavour to protect them, but he cleverly carries out all that is justifiable for a person with only basic education, a passion for cinema and a mad love for his wife and children. Mohanlal is at his vintage best, making Georgekutty appear completely genuine. The director has also managed to elicit near-flawless performances from the rest of the cast. The biggest surprise is Kalabhavan Shajon, who excells as policeman Sahadevan. The detailing of minute incidents, including Georgekutty switching off the light when he enters the dining room, and his involvement in dayto- day incidents revolving around the small hotel in the high range, are all sharply crafted by Jeethu. It gives the much-needed platform to the protagonist and helps set a realistic tone even to the eye-deceiving visuals that follow. These visuals will take their time coming, but only after the end credits roll will the viewer be able to understand the clever directorial ploy and the crowning glory of the film-its superb climax. Undoubtedly, these visuals are sure to place the mastermind behind them among the top league of filmmakers.
Film: Drishyam
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Cast: Mohanlal, Meena