'Simhasanam' (Malayalam)
Director: Shaji Kailas
Cast: Prithviraj, Saikumar and others
“Same old man; Same old tale.” This dialogue uttered by branded actor Siddhique, who plays the chief villain, is a befitting tag-line for the Shaji Kailas’ 'Simhasanam'. For the scenes in 'Simhasanam' have played out before our eyes in many movies, many times over.
A majority of filmmakers have moved further, searching for new domains, in what is undeniably a positive sign for Malayalam cinema. But, disappointingly, an experienced campaigner like Shaji Kailas is still looking to churn out an unpalatable mix, lifted generously from an umpteen number of Malayalam movies of the past two decades, to come up with 'Simhasanam'. And what’s worse, Shaji has never been so naive as a technician and a director, with the movie traversing a slippery line between third-rate action drama and bleak situations. Pathetically clichéd!
Sadly, it is Shaji’s maiden attempt at scripting falls terrible short, especially when one keeps his mind his earlier iconic directorial efforts, including 'Ekalavyan', 'King', and 'Aaram Thampuran'. For cinema aficionados, these blockbusters are still fresh in the mind, and they will hardly bear with him for coming up with a spoof of his own hit movies.
Evidently, the inspiration for 'Simhasanam' is Joshy’s 1989 hit 'Naduvazhikal', starring Madhu as Ananthan and Mohanlal as his son Arjun. The film was loosely based on Mario Puzo’s ‘Godfather’. In 'Simhasanam', Saikumar is plays the patriarch Madhava Menon and Prithviraj essays the role of his son, Arjun. Menon is the King of Chandragiri and such is his might and privilege that he has a say even in solving political issues crippling the state and the Chief Minister. At one point, even the Bishop himself is depending upon Menon to solve some administrative issues.
With all the paraphernalia of a lifestyle befitting a feudal fascist, Menon refers to the people of Chandragiri as his “Praja” (subjects).
In place of Chekkudi brothers, the main villains in 'Naduvazhikal', Shaji brings in the Annapoorna Group in 'Simhasanam'. With the miscreants constantly targeting Menon, his son is forced to enter the power realm. As hackneyed as it could be, Arjun is his father’s son in every respect, and the cub to Menon’ lion. The stage is set for Prithviraj to deliver those powerless ‘punch’ dialogues, to display his romantic skills, and to showcase his ‘six pack’ once again in both action and dance sequences.
The rest of the ensemble cast include faithful dependents, seasoned politicians, landlords, tenants, goons and adding to a list of stereotyped characters are a maid, who worships the vibrant Arjun, and his lover. The entire set of actors moves like ships without a radar, doing total justice to the poor script with their minimum involvement, and leaving the viewers feeling shortchanged.
The Verdict: The only question that comes to the mind after watching this wannabe potboiler is ‘For whom was this movie made?’ Neither the producer, nor the director, nor the actors will benefit from this venture. A two-hour and forty-minute rehash of sundry hits, ending up as a torture.