'Best Actor' (Malayalam, Comedy Entertainer, 2010)
Director: Martin Prakkatt
Cast : Mammootty, Sruthi Ramakrishnan, Salim Kumar, Shrinivasan
It is a gargantuan responsibility that has fallen on the shoulders of debutant Martin Prakkatt, the director of ‘Best Actor’. Not only that it has one of the biggest stars of Malayalam cinema in its lead role, but also the hype and hoopla the movie created prior to the release.
But, Prakkatt has succeeded in overcoming the burden of expectations and has come up with a feel-good movie. Granted, ‘Best Actor’ may not be highly explosive or bombastic, but is certainly a movie worth watching.
The film is a perfect blend of elements including a novel idea which develops into a neat plot as the movie progresses, good twists and a beautiful climax. Adding to the list of ingredients is the right casting, good camera work and perfect editing.
As a result, the film has some hilarious situations, some terrific moments for Mammootty fans to rejoice and of course some scenes that will linger in your mind.
Opening in a Valluvanadan village, the movie revolves around Mohan (Mammootty) - a school teacher – who dreams of getting into films. In his efforts, he approaches filmmakers, including Laljose and Ranjith for a role, but sans success. His wife Savitri (Sruthi Ramakrishna) and their little boy and a majority of the villagers are confident of Mohan’s potential as an actor and believe that the guy will one day accomplish his goal.
But, things change when Sreekumar (Sreenivasan) chooses Mohan’s school to shoot his new movie. Mohan gets humiliated in front of his family and villagers. Leaving them behind, he reaches Kochi with a strong determination to fulfill his dream. But what awaits Mohan in Kochi is a different story. Here begins the change of face for Mohan as well as the movie. Mohan joins a gang of goons.
The film may have some flaws of its own too, especially in the scripting. For instance, the ‘colloquial’ terms used by Vandipetta Shaji (Lal) feel like purposefully inserted by Bibin Chandran who penned the dialogues to make the audience laugh. Or is it purposefully planted to make the movie more ‘realistic’?
However, the movie is embellished with some fantastic performances. Mammootty is splendid as Mohan while Lal, Salim Kumar and Nedumudi Venu as Shaji , Vadival Pranchi and Devvor Asan, respectively also sizzle in their roles.
But, where ‘Best Actor’ ultimately wins out is that the director knows what to say when and how.
The core of the movie will be more enjoyable to those who have, at least once in their life, have approached any established director for a chance. But still, the riveting drama in the plot will make sure that you are entertained on one level or another.
And that is how the movie can be easily termed as a ‘light-hearted entertainer’.