Film Sakhavu
Director Siddartha Siva Genre Drama
Cast Nivin Pauly, Aiswarya Rajesh, Aparna Gopinath
Come what may, there is a certain fondness we harbour for the tales of comrades with an unparalleled dedication for the working class. A part of our conscience and culture, the billowing red flag, Marxian principles and a fierce young leader continue to be elements that top our must-watch list.
It is for the same reasons that Siddartha Siva’s Sakhavu strikes a chord with us. It has a protagonist, Sakhavu Krishnan (Nivin Pauly) who lives for the poor. On the flip side, there is a pragmatic young comrade who has no qualms pulling every tricks in the book to rise through the ranks because he just can’t wait. Through these two faces, Siddartha Siva puts the focus on today’s ‘business of politics’.
Comrade Krishna Kumar can’t wait to climb the ladders and is ready to go to any extend to attain it. He is adamant to wipe off his friend who might become a potential threat. But, one morning he is asked to go to a hospital to donate blood for an ailing person. Krishna Kumar half-mindedly agrees, only to find out more about Sakhavu Krishnan, which changes his perception and attitude towards life and politics.
For such a hard-hitting subject, Sakhavu starts off a bit slow.
The director takes time to establish Nivin’s character. Krishna Kumar wears communism as a garb, he shamelessly proclaims himself as an emerging leader and insists people respect him (Siddartha, obviously, must not have found difficulties getting inspiration for creating Krishna Kumar). The first half heads nowhere in particular and is spend around Krishna Kumar and his Man Friday, played by Althaf.
But, the real game changer happens post interval. As Sakhavu Krishnan, Nivin finally puts the ‘act’ into ‘actor’. He is at ease playing the fierce union leader and at the same time beautifully gets under the skin of an aged comrade, thereby establishing beyond doubts his acting skills.
Not only does Siddartha puts forth a sensitive topic of contemporary relevance, but he also does it through humour. Through the life and work of Sakhavu Krishnan, we are told about communism and activism which once brought light to the lives of a generation. But, he could have done it without the vexing lags, which at times turns a huge put off.
Music director Prashanth Pillai does wonders with his BGM and music. Aiswarya Rajesh proves her mettle in two avatars while Aparna Gopinath looks cheerful as usual. Sakhavu is definitely a worthy endeavour. The movie has a heart, gives a message while urging us to spare a thought for the many unsung heroes or comrades who spend their lives for the betterment of others.