Chaaver Movie Review: Kunchacko Boban-Tinu Pappachan's Film Offers Scattered Moments of Visual Brilliance in an Incohesive Political Narrative (LatestLY Exclusive)

Chaaver Movie Review: Say what you will about him and his films, Tinu Pappachan has carved out a cult following for himself in Malayalam cinema. Ever since the surprise success of his debut film Swatantram Ardharathriyil and later with Ajagajathantram, fans have been eagerly awaiting his new releases. Unlike his mentor Lijo Jose Pellissery, Tinu hasn't quite won over the critics with his works, but there's no denying the visual flair and editing techniques he brings to his movies, which nearly compensate for a weak script. Unfortunately, with his latest offering, Chaaver, even his visual style of filmmaking struggles against a lacklustre script, although there are moments of stunning visual aesthetics scattered throughout. Chaaver Review: Netizens Find ‘Nothing Much Interesting’ in Kunchacko Boban – Tinu Pappachan’s Political Thriller.

Scripted by Joy Mathew, who also has a role in the film, Chaaver revolves around a four-member hit squad from a political outfit hired to assassinate what they believe is a member of a rival party. The political outfit is never explicitly named, but anyone with a basic understanding of Kerala politics can easily deduce the targeted party. The film kicks off with this team completing their mission (though we are initially not shown the killing and the victim), but one of the members, Ashokan (Kunchacko Boban), gets injured in the process.

As news of the murder spreads like wildfire through the town, causing strikes and heavy police presence, the team realises they can't take Ashokan to a hospital. One of the members, Mustafa (Manoj KU), seeks help from Arun (played by Arjun Ashokan), a medical student and the son of a late political comrade, to treat the wound. Unfortunately for Arun, he gets entangled with them as they hop from one hideout to another in their jeep, hoping their party leaders will rescue them soon.

Watch the Trailer of Chaaver:

Tinu Pappachan's signature style shines right from the start, beginning with the uniquely designed opening credit scenes that lead to a sequence where a rat attempts to devour a cockroach, only to be flattened to a bloody mess by a speeding vehicle. This hints at what to expect from the film's plot. Animals continue to serve as motifs throughout the film, from dogs to monitor lizards, leaving room for interpretation. However, it's the inclusion of "theyyam" and its music that add an exceptional dimension to certain scenes. Iratta Movie Review: Joju George's Brilliant Double Act Elevates this Gripping Investigative Drama with a Haunting Finale.

For instance, the sequence depicting the killing of the victim in the first flashback is executed with stunning precision. When this scene is revisited in the climax as a flashback, the incorporation of "theyyam" adds a captivating, albeit heartrending, visual quality, particularly through the use of the color red. Justin Varghese's exceptional musical score and Jinto George's remarkable cinematography contribute to Chaaver's technical finesse.

Yet, at times, Tinu Pappachan's style becomes excessive. The funeral scene of the victim is one such instance where restraint was needed. It begins with emotional resonance, as relatives cry in slow motion against a backdrop of a moving "theyyam" song, creating a distressing atmosphere. However, the scene gets stretched and overstays its welcome, diminishing its impact.

Similarly, near the interval, an unexpected bomb explosion creates chaos, but the stylish slow-motion effects detract from the dark humor intended for the scene. The most significant offender in this over-stylisation is the violent climax of the film. While visually impressive in terms of camerawork, lighting, and choreography, it lacks the pauses necessary to deliver the desired emotional impact.

Furthermore, the over-stylisation often feels like an attempt to compensate for a script that lacks innovation. A few months ago, Sibi Malayil's comeback film, Kotthu, explored a similar theme but with greater emotional resonance and impact. Joy Mathew's script takes jabs at the tumultuous politics of the leftist party—without naming it—and addresses casteism within the party. However, as a cohesive narrative, it fails to create compelling characters or lend credibility to the storyline. Consequently, when the smoke and lights dissipate, Chaaver feels like a skeletal husk of what could have been a riveting, incisive political commentary. Kannur Squad Movie Review: A Brilliant Mammootty Leads This Cop Thriller That Saves Its Best Punches For Its Third Act!

The screenplay's most engaging portion is in the third act, when the police launch a manhunt for Arun, leading Ashokan and his companions to discover the real motive behind the murder. Interestingly, the director refrains from resorting to stylish gimmicks in these segments, underscoring why the rest of the film desperately needed them. A minor spoiler ahead: the twist in this part of the story reminded me of another recent film featuring Manoj KU, albeit with a darker turn.

Regarding the performances, the entire cast excels, even though they are somewhat limited by the script. Kunchacko Boban delivers a credible performance in his tough guy role, although his constricted character offers little opportunity for a standout performance. Arjun Ashokan is consistent in his portrayal of the naive Arun, while Manoj KU is excellent as always. Sajin Gopu and Anuroop also perform well in their respective roles. Antony 'Pepe' Varghese makes a cameo appearance in the film, and Chaaver effectively utilises his presence in sporadic moments. It's also a pleasure to see Sangita, known for her role in Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, back on the big screen as Arun's mother and a relatively inactive political worker. She showcases her political influence effectively in one scene but has limited opportunities otherwise. Deepak Parambol shines in his brief appearance as Arun's well-meaning but unfortunate friend.

Final Thoughts

What worked for an event film like Ajagajathantram, doesn't create the same magic in Chaaver, despite Tinu Pappachan pushing his limits for visual and thematic aesthetics. Chaaver has moments of brilliance scattered throughout the film, with fine performances. However, the over-stylisation isn't enough to compensate for a weak narrative, and the script's lack of depth prevents it from reaching its full potential as a political commentary.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2023 11:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).