Idukki Gold Malayalam Movie Review
Directed by Aashiq Abu
Banner - Rajaputra Visual Media
Produced By M. Ranjith
Story by Santosh Echikkanam
Written By Syam Pushkaran , Dileesh Nair
DOP Shyju Khalid
Music Bijibal
Editor V Saajan
Costumes Sameera Saneesh
Production Controller Benny Kattappana
Distributed by Rajaputhra & Kaleeshwary
Cast
Prathap Pothen as Michael
Raveendran as Ravi
Babu Antony as Antony
Maniyanpilla Raju as Madan
Vijayaraghavan as Raman
Lal
Joy Mathew
Sajitha Madathil
The script of Idukki Gold is based on a short
story written by Santosh Echikkanam under the same name. 'Idukki Gold'
is the local name of 'Marijuana'. The main story is also set in Idukki
'Idukki Gold' is the story of camaraderie, 5 Men who are in their Golden 50s decides to get together like they used to do in their teens. The Events that follows on their get away to 'Idukki' for a 'nostalgic reunion' is the main theme of 'Idukki Gold'. The story switches back & forth between certain events in the past & present.
The online of IG gives one great expectations, a trip down memory lanes for every one, especially middle agers. Plus the charm of veteran actors uniting, beautiful locales of Idukki, a hit director-writer(s) combo etc also increases the hope and hype surrounding the movie. But unfortunately the film fails to meet any of those standards (Except the beauty of 'Idukki').
The film instead of being a nostalgic trip, turns out a trip just to smoke weed, drink alcohol & get high.
The first half of the movie is actually pretty decent, even though bit slow, but in the 2nd half all hell break loose. The movie drags like anything and goes on for ever, the climax twist also fells flat, it was very much predictable, especially if you have taken notice the cast & posters of IG. In order to satisfy the so called 'New-Gen' fans many things have been forcefully added into the film.
The biggest plus in the movie is the kids that play the younger version of the gang in the flashback episodes - they are simply outstanding. All of them have given knock-out performances. One can't blame for hoping if the film was just about these kids.
The 'vetrans' are the other saving grace of the film, especially Raju & Raveendran. Scene in which Babu Antony leaves hospital bed, walking down the hallway to the BG [which is also featured in trailer]. Idukki has been captured by Shyju Khalid like never before, it looked breath taking. There is just one song in the film which has been composed, written and shot beautifully. The movie definitely needs some editing, especially in the second half. Background score was impressive.
Aashiq Abu has done a decent job directing the movie, with whatever material he had.
There might be few out there who could identify with the movie, for whom the film might be entertaining enough. I am certainly not one of them. The film is low in content even for the likings of the so called 'New Gen' movie goers, who has been the main target.
The controversy/intelligent marketing have helped the film to get a decent opening, once the holidays are over If the movie still survives in theaters it will be a miracle, but this short run will be more than enough for the producer to break even I guess.
Hereby recommending 'Idukki Gold' for my 'Ganga' brothers, & as for others, please stay away, or just watch the 1st half and leave the theater
Verdict - Disappointing
Rating - 2.25/5
