Jan. 14, 2022|India|124 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;South;Indian;Thriller
Description: Jayakrishnan ventures into the real estate business alongside Varki, but it quickly turns into a trap, causing him to lose his home and land. The property he purchases is revealed to be part of a railway project already marked by the central government. With the assistance of a shrewd politician named Xavier, Jayakrishnan sells the land to Ashraf Hajji, who had previously acquired Jayakrishnan’s properties at unfair prices by exploiting his desperate situation.
The film *Meppadiyan* introduces a promising new talent in writer-director Vishnu Mohan. He delivers an engaging narrative with well-crafted scenarios and compelling characters. The story begins at a slow pace, leaving viewers wondering if there’s more to it, but it gradually builds tension. Jayakrishnan, portrayed by Unni Mukundan, is a skilled and responsible mechanic who, like many young individuals, takes a risk hoping for a big payoff. An opportunity arises when a tipsy acquaintance convinces him to invest in a seemingly lucrative land deal. However, complications arise when they struggle to secure the funds to complete the purchase from an ailing man hoping to finance his daughter’s wedding. The burden falls on Jayakrishnan, and the story unfolds as he navigates the challenges posed by opportunistic politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen.
At first glance, the plot may appear familiar to Malayalam cinema enthusiasts, but the film’s clever writing sets it apart. While the storytelling carries a traditional tone, it ventures into unexpected twists that keep the audience engaged. Unlike the 2009 film *Evidam Swargamanu*, which relied heavily on dramatization, *Meppadiyan* avoids excessive manipulation of situations. However, it lacks the lighthearted, humorous moments found in other similar films.
Cast director: Vishnu Mohan
Cast actor: Unni Mukundan, Saiju Kurup, Anju Kurian, Indrans, Major Ravi, Nisha Sarangh, Aju Varghese, Kottayam Ramesh, Kalabhavan Shajon, Shankar Ramakrishnan
Original name: മേപ്പടിയാനിലെ