Film: Chettayees
Director: Shajoon Kariyal
Cast: Lal, Biju Menon, Suresh Krishna, Miya
Why only boys having fun?” When the heroine with despair writ large on her face grumbles many a times, viewers are tend to think Chettayees (elder brothers) is seriously going to dissect the attitude of the ‘male chauvinist’ Malayali society.
In the first half, director Shajoon Kariyal takes you to the well ‘spirited’ men’s only world where a group of five friends, in their 40s, eat, drink and merry.
And what is there in the second half? Come on guys, let’s party till the world ends.
Desperate wives in the background heave a sigh, cry and give up.
Chettayees gives green signal to men to have unstoppable fun.
The redeeming aspect about the film is that script writer Sachi’s genuine efforts to tell a simple story abundantly layered with humour.
After a hiatus of six years, Shajoon, who directed Vadakumnathan, a serious movie with Mohan Lal as hero, seems to be trying his luck with a nobrainer entertainer.
A film based on the drinking habits of Malayalis that has reached insidious proportions is not new.
The unquenching thirst for alcohol is what that is bonding this new age friends in the city.
They have families, but drinking mates are insepar a b l e .
When the New Year celebration becomes a public nuisance, the film takes a serious turn.
From scene one to last, these Chettayees literally lead an alcoholic way of life.
Alcohol consumption reached its alarming level in Kerala, ironically the big boys in the film just want to continue the trend.
They forget not to leave a message for the girls.
Only boys have fun.
The cast is the highlight.
Lead characters John Pallan (Lal), Kichu (Biju Menon), Bava (P Sukumar), Roopesh (Suresh Krishna) live up to expectation.
Lal and Biju Menon are in their top form and their comic timing is exceptional.
Debutant Sunil Babu as government servant is impressive with his one-liner comedy.
Miya as Kichu’s wife has nothing much to do, except yelling at husband and his friends.
The small-budget movie could have made better if the issue is handled with a bit of seriousness.
The first half of the film is unstoppable fun, but the fun takes a break in the second half.
Verdict: This one is for those who love boozing parties; no place for partypoopers.