Bangalore Days - Malayalam Movie Review
Crew
Directed by Anjali Menon
Produced by Anwar Rasheed, Sophia Paul
Written by Anjali Menon
Music by Gopi Sunder
Cinematography Sameer Thahir
Editing by Praveen Prabhakar
Studio Anwar Rasheed Entertainment. Weekend Blockbusters
Distributed by A & A Release through August Cinemas
Release dates May 30, 2014
Running time 171 Minutes
Country India
Language Malayalam
Cast
Dulquer Salmaan as Arjun aka Aju
Parvathi as RJ Sarah
Fahadh Faasil as Das
Nazriya Nazim as Divya Prakash
Nivin Pauly as Kuttan
Isha Talwar as Meenakshi
Nithya Menen as Natasha
Vijayaraghavan
Maniyanpilla Raju
Sajid Yahiya
Kalpana
Praveena
Prathap Pothen
Vinaya Prasad
One of the biggest multi starrer to release in Mollywood since 'T 20' the BAAP of all Multi starrers. Usthad Hotel team [Anjali Menon, Anwar Rasheed, Dulquer, Gopi Sunder, Nithya] reuniting after 2 years, there were plenty to look forward to 'Bangalore Days'. The trailer, song, posters also increased the expectations.
The basic plot of 'BD' deals with 3 characters, Arjun, Kuttan, Divya, who are not only cousins but thickest of friends. Even though their families have issues and egos between them these 3 gel like anything & were inseparable. In the course of time, like Most of the Malayali youth now a days, the 3 end up in the land of techies, Bangalore, even though for different purposes. Certain characters like Das, Meeenakshi, Sarah enters the lives of these 3. How all these change their character, friendship, attitude toward life etc forms the rest of the story.
'Bangalore Days' is not your typical candy floss youthful romantic film, it deals with complex relations, emotions as well. but if you are expecting a 'Manjadikkuru' or an 'Usthad Hotel' you might be disappointed. The film doesn't have memorable dialogues & the heartwarming scenes are few and far in between. The film in the beginning felt like to feed on the nostalgia of youth, deviates from that path few reels later. The main issue with the film is that its too lengthy and the pace is horribly uneven especially in the second half. Had the length been on the shorter side the emotional sequences, even though few in number, would have had greater impact. The climax was predictable. There are also in brand promotions, few of them prove to be distractions, while few have been used efficiently. Youth might be able to connect more with the film (or those who have gone through such a phase) than others.
Even though made to look like for comic relief its Nivin Pauly's characters and story that makes the film engaging and provides clap/whistle worthy moments and he has done a Good job in that too. What could have been a usual role for Dulquer gets saved with the introduction of Sarah and the story provides few touching moments too and their relationship has been etched out beautifully. Parvathi has done a great job and Dulquer hasn't disappointed either. Fahadh gets scope to perform in the later half, which he does brilliantly. In the initial half he is just confined to look a 'Uninterested husband' and he successfully manages to irritate viewers too. Nazriya too has done a good job a bubbly girl in her early 20s forced to get married and entering the serious business of 'house making'. Nithya in a cameo and Isha in an extended cameo appearances were Okay.
Direction of Anjali Menon was okay Script couldn't meet the promises or expectations her other two films created. Dialogues were good. Cinematography was outstanding. Songs except the wedding song act as speed breakers. There were much expectations from Gopi Sunder's Background score, much more than the songs, due to which it feels tad disappointing. Film should have been shorter by at least 20mins for better box office prospects. But if you have greater patience and come with out expecting a candy floss, through out entertainer or the baggage's of Anjali's previous attempts you might find the time invested worth.
So in all even though it doesn't quite match up to the expectations it created, Bangalore Days is definitely a decent watch, for the performances and some nice touching moments and visual splendor.
Verdict: A Generous, Good
Rating; 3/5
Last Word: Have a feeling that film might appeal more on the 2nd watch
