Mollywood Times Movie Review: Mollywood Times is the next step in a continuing trend in which Abhinav Sunder Nayak has already demonstrated his lack of interest in traditional storytelling with Mukundan Unni Associates. Its heart, of course, is Naslen’s Vineeth Madhavan, a passionate film buff who wants to become a movie maker but finds the world of cinema to be as much a marketplace of compromises as it is of passion. Ennobled by a great ensemble (a wonderful Sharaf U Dheen) the film switches the easy wins for hard inquiries concerning drive, conscience, and survival. At first, it seems like a typical coming-of-age story, but slowly it becomes a moving and honest look at the realities behind what is presented as glamour in the film industry. Mollywood Times is a bold, unpredictable and refreshingly unfawning piece that questions dreams instead of celebrating them.
The film’s intent to defy audience expectations was immediately striking. Cinema is used to delivering emotional payback. We expect to see wins, encouraging payouts and comforting endings. Mollywood Times is the polar opposite. It is the story of a young man Vineeth Madhavan (Naslen) who has long harboured a dream of making movies. As many movie buffs, he believes in the magic of the story and the power of the movies transforming lives. He has ambition, passion and sincerity along his path. But the film keeps a tough question: what does it do when a truly decent human being is attempting to tackle a system that doesn’t often reward being decent?
This concept is the emotional core of the story. The protagonist is not as morally dubious as that of Mukundan Unni Associates, but he attempts to do everything that is right here. He values honesty, fairness and ethical decisions. But in reality, those traits may have repercussions. Those who don’t take the easy route often end up having to face failure. Traditionally, the heroes in a movie are kept out of hardships. Mollywood Times does not endorse. Instead, it meets them right in the face, and that candor lends the movie its unique tone.
The movie industry exploration was really fascinating to me. Although the Malayalam film industry has produced a few film making films till date, this film looks into a facet of the industry which is not normally portrayed with such zeal. Behind the showmanship is a world of politics, business interests, power struggle and personal compromises. The film dispels delusions of romanticism about film and shows us what lies beneath the surface. It’s never sour but it’s always straight forward. Being a film buff, I was surprised and disturbed.
Naslen’s performance is one of the best in his career. He’s known for being a natural screen presence, but he’s as different as can be in this role. He has a beautiful way of portraying the innocence, determination, frustration and disappointment. The one thing that really has my mind blown is the fact that he truly embodies a dreamer who is a fervent fan of the cinema. No matter what went on in the story, I was always convinced of his character.
Similarly, Sharaf U Dheen is outstanding. In fact, there’s one particular moment, and it’s just a facial expression that really stuck with me after the credits roll. He gives a slight smile that looks like it has a secret trick in it and for some reason, it captures the entire essence of the film. It conveys cynicism, comprehension, amusement, and resignation all in one. That single moment felt like the essence of everything the movie was trying to say.
The supporting cast adds much to the effectiveness of the film as well. All performances seem to be pitched to the director’s intended tone. No one seems to be playing the part of a typical film character. On the other hand, the characters act like jumbled humans. The story repeatedly upends expectations. When I thought I was in the right direction, it went in another direction. The characters always make decisions that are in line with reality, not audience satisfaction.
On a technical level it is also remarkable. There were certain moments that really caught my eye, such as a scene in a canteen and in a bedroom. Some of these are so stylised at first that it could be considered as effect work but then they come back to the film’s thematic function. There are many telling moments in the cinematography and staging that make clear the confidences and conviction of the filmmaker.
I really loved the fact that the movie was able to spark conversation and not give easy answers. Says that society is often unwilling to accept extremes. Excessive badness renders a person unacceptabe. But if someone is too good can also be an outsider. People expect a degree of cunning from decent individuals and a hint of decency from dishonest ones. There is life between, somewhere. It’s observed throughout the film and provides the film with a philosophical dimension, outside the coming-of-age narrative.
This will definitely cause split audience. Its selections might not appeal to those searching for simple entertainment, action, entertaining commercials or happy endings. The film is firmly against the norm of making box office hits. For fans of cinema, however, – those who not only enjoy watching movies but take them seriously as an art form and an interest – there is something really special about Mollywood Times.
The movie really pays off when watched as an entire experience. I would recommend that audiences do not pay attention to each separate scene or whether there was an expectation met or not. Rather, focus on where the beginning and the end of the story occur. Consider how the main character has changed throughout the course of the movie, and what message is the Director trying to share with the audience about dreams, ambition, morality, and the film industry itself. That reflection takes away the power from the film.
I also liked the uniformity of the director’s vision. The story never strays from a single concept and the ending is earned throughout the entire film. There is even a brief moment for the audience after the credits are up that is definitely worth staying for. It’s not a spoiler, but it does give another piece to the puzzle;
I must say for myself that Mollywood Times was a success for the most part, due to their courage. It breaks taboos and defies emotional manipulation, and sticks with its worldview despite sacrifice of audience. Such a distinct film isn’t seen that often. When it comes to the convictions behind the decision making process, it’s hard not to admire them, regardless of whether one agrees with them or not.
Rating: 4/5
Read the review on the Latest Telugu movie Peddi.
