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Natturajavu
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'Natturajavu'

By P. Sreekumaran
Film critic, ApunKaChoice.Com

It may not be raking it in like superstar Mohanlal's earlier films like Chitram, Narasimham and Rajavinte Magan. But Natturajavu is no unmitigating disaster at the box office either.

It is a typical Mohanlal movie replete with action, drama and melodrama. Old wine in new bottle, you might say. But what redeems the film is an outstanding performance by the superstar. The otherwise worn-out formula gets a new lease of life as it were with Mohanlal playing the protagonist with a verve and vitality matching his earlier movies.

Pulikkattil

Charlie (Mohanlal) believes in doing good. He has a reason to play the do-gooder. Charlie is trying to live down the bitter legacy handed down by his villainous father, Pulikkattil Mathan (Ramraj).

Charlie's mother (Kaviyoor Ponnamma), grandmother (KPAC Lalitha) and adopted sister Katrina (Nayantara) lend him a helping hand to erase the wicked legacy of Mathan.

The family is also bravely trying to cope with the trauma caused by the suicide of Charlie's younger brother Samuel (Sarath). The sensitive Sarath had taken his life unable to endure the constant harassment of his father. Nowhere to go, his Rosy (Suja Karthka) takes refuge in Charley’s house with her child.

Charlie also has to contend with a few powerful personalities, who were sworn enemies of Mathan. Among them was Karnan (Ranjith) whose family had been wiped out by Mathan. Karnan avenges it by bumping off Mathan. Karnan, who lands in jail, is bent upon ruining the peace of the Charlie family the day he becomes a free man. Charlie's best friend Manian (Kalabhavan Mani) is also a victim of Mathan's cruelty.

In a spirit of reconciliation, Charlie marries Karnan's sister Maya (Meena). But then Karnan has other ideas. What unfolds is an action-packed climax.

The screenplay by T.A. Shaheed is adequate. But the piece de resistance of the family entertainer is the fag end of the film in which the director packs a powerful punch. Mohanlal rises to great heights of histrionics, helped by long and punchy dialogues.

The other performances worth mentioning are of Ramraj as Charly’s father and Ranjith as Karnan. Tamil actress Meena provides the emotional support to Charlie. Nayantara makes a delightful cameo as the sister.

The music of M. Jayachandran is a bit of a disappointment.

If you are a fan of Mohanlal's acting prowess, watch it. You won't be disappointed.

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