They say road movies, arguably an ‘American dream’, are an ultimate way to celebrate the eternally restless self. Neelaakasham, Pacha Kadal, Chuvanna Bhumi (Blue sky, green waters, red earth) directed by Sameer Tahir sets the perfect route map for two restless youths on a journey in search of bliss, love and meaning of life.
Kasi (Dulquer Salmaan) and Suni (Sunny Wayne), friends of good and bad times, are on a journey. Though reasons vary---one for his lost love and another for platonic love---their journey is essentially to celebrate the restless self. They encounter new landscapes, eccentric characters and a new world; only to reinvent themselves.
Kasi wants to meet his lover Assi (Surja Bala),his classmate, in Nagaland. Suni joins him as his best buddy and they are on their long-ride on classic bullets. The story unfolds while on the move. They reach their destinations, but the journey continues.
The movie deals with intense romance and friendship, current political scenario, family values and religious fanaticism. The magnificently knitted NPCB is an ode to the evolving Malayalam cinema. The seashore of Puri, riot-hit Assam, unadulterated villages of Bengal, Odisha and the enchanting beauty of Nagaland take audience to the other side of India.
Dulqer, son of actor Mammootty, is getting better with each film. He is pleasant and his top notch performance surely gets him applauds. He is a conquering hero. Sunny Wayne perfectly fits into his role and his one-liners are good.
Manipuri artiste Surja Bala is gorgeous. The debutante does justice to her role as a victim of mobocracy in the north eastern state. The soul and substance of the movie is its script, thanks to Hashir Mohammad. Hats off to Girish Gangadharan for his superb visuals. He captured the stunning beauty of the countryside with all its elegance. For those who are stuck in the four walls of monotonous life, the title and the visuals beckon to hit the road with renewed enthusiasm. Once again Sameer Tahir proves that he is a good story teller. His ability to take viewers along on the ride makes the movie a must watch.
Verdict: An interesting trip for travel bugs
Director: Sameer Tahir
Cast: Dulquer Salman, Sunny Wayne, Surja Bala Hijam, Joy Mathew