‘Sevenes’ (Malayalam)
Director: Joshiy
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Nivin Pauly, Bhama, Reema Kallingal, Nadiya Moithu
When hearing the title ‘Sevenes’ (if not the numerology factor, then it would have been Sevens), one will expect the movie to be a sports-based film about underdogs who achieve the impossible. Naturally, the anticipations point towards the excitement of ‘Lagaan,’ the emotional sporty spirit of ‘Iqbal’ or the ‘Chak De’ thrill.
But ‘Sevenes’ is not about football and it traverses a different route. Football is only the wallpaper; the focus is on action, love and sentiments.
The movie unfolds the story of seven friends who were united together in the name of football. What happens if they were in crisis situation and badly needs money? Quotation! Easy, right? Here emerges a new gang in the city - Sevenes. Naturally, there will be another kingpin who at present holds the reins of the crime syndicate in the city. And this one traps ‘Sevenes’ in a murder case. Do not expect that from this point, something electrifying and emotional will be in the offer till the end of the movie. The scriptwriter looks clueless and towards the climax of the film he does a simple trick - a sudden twist and a new villain!
Iqbal Kuttippuram’s script has nothing new to say. Those who still cherishes his two notable offerings ‘Four The People’ and ‘Arabikkatha’ may be surprised to find out that there is no meat in many of the scenes. For instance, the scene in which the ‘Sevenes’ go to the Commissioner Amala Viswanath’s (Nadiya Moithu) office to tell her that they were witness to a murder shows the lack of substance.
After letting the team go without any proper interrogation, the Commissioner suddenly comes out and shouts “Arrest them.” What is this, Sir? On the flip side, Joshiy is one director who does not have to prove anything new as his career itself speaks for him. Though the craftsman is going strong, ‘Sevenes’ lacks the Joshiy punch.
Now the ‘Sevenes’ team - Shyam (Kunchacko Boban), Suraj (Asif Ali), Shoukath (Nivin Pauly), Sarath (Renjith Menon), Linto (Amir), Arun (Aju) and Satheesh (Vijish). The youngsters did a commendable job, be it the naughty streak as well as the action scenes. But the heroines - Bhama and Reema Kallingal - had no big part to play in the film.
Ajayan Vincent’s cinematography is another element that needs worth mentioning. On the whole, ‘Sevenes’ is an average flick and barring a few thrilling moments before the half time, there is nothing much that you carry back home.