Shutter is not a niche film with usual ingredients like romance, action and comedy. Shutter, as a metaphor, opens to a world of hard-hitting truths in life. The unexpected turn of events in the lives of a few characters---they are neither heroes nor clichéd villains---is an eye-opener to many, who in their busy life, find little time to look into inner self. These characters, be it Gulf returnee Rasheed (Lal) or his auto driver friend Nanmarayil Suran (Vinay Fort) are caught in the cobweb of relationships, but they later realise they are superficial.
The plot of Shutter directed by Joy Mathew is simple and focuses on the events of the lives of a few ordinary people in Kozhikode over two days. Rasheed, who is on a short trip to his native place, plans to marry off his 17-year-old daughter Nyla. She represents the new age youth who wants to explore the world completely. Unable to digest her liberal views, he fixes her marriage.
Then next comes the celebration time. After a noisy binge with his pals, he falls for Thankam (Sajitha Madathil), a sex worker and takes her to a trashy room in his small commercial complex adjacent to his house. His friend Suran locks up the room from outside to let the couple have some good moments. He promises to come back after buying food, but fails to turn up. He is arrested for drunken driving with his fellow passenger Manoharan (Sreenivasan) and spends the night in the police station. Caged in the room, Rasheed and Thankam peep through the vent of the shutter to see the outside life. Caught in the inhibitions of societal image, Rasheed realises that he doesn’t even have a friend to bank upon. He waits for Suran, but finally help comes from an unexpected hand. In the four walls of the room, a hooker teaches him the realities of life.
With fine narratives, debutant director Joy Mathew doesn’t falter. A well-known face in theatre and publishing, Joy shot to fame by playing a significant character in John Abrham’s classic Amma Ariyan and fade into oblivion later. His comeback trail was memorable as Shutter won the Silver Crow Pheasant Award for the best feature film (audience prize) at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala. He is able to bring the best performances from his entire cast.
Along with Lal, who perfectly suits the character, Sajitha, a theatre personality and activist, steals the show. Vinay Fort’s performance is commendable and Srinivasan as usual, perfectly gels with the character. Near perfect visuals by Hari Nair.
Open the shutter of eyes to see the other hidden side of the life. This unprejudiced film, which is reminder of changing perspectives, will sure leave a mark in your heart.
The Verdict: A must watch for a different movie experience.
Film: Shutter
Cast: Lal, Sajitha Madathil, Sreenivasan, Vinay Fort
Director: Joy Mathew
Now at: Cinepolis, Galaxy Paradise, Sangeeth, Gopalan (Old Madras Road), HMT Cinemas, Innovative Multiplex, PVR