When a new director comes up with a film featuring his own story, screenplay and dialogues, and particularly directing highly talented veterans like Sreenivasan and Padmapriya, we have every reason to expect a winner. The plot of Pachamarathanalil - as an attempt by the debutante director and script writer Leo Thaddhevoos (an erstwhile associate to ace director Bhadran) - is novel, which must be applauded. And of course, it is a movie worth watching, well made for the family audience.
The film is about a cartoonist Sachidanandan (Sreenivasan), popularly known as 'Sachi', is the famous creator of 'Poompatta Princess', a popular cartoon character in a children's magazine. Sachi and his wife Anu (Padmapriya), a government employee, lead a peaceful life with their darling daughter Sneha (Ahina), who spreads her charm wherever she goes. Sneha is the real inspiration behind her father in creating the cartoon character 'Poompatta'.
After a dance performance in her school, ad maker Teny invites the pretty child to play the lead in his new ad film which is to be shot in Chennai. Sneha accepts the offer and Sachi accompanies her for the shoot.
After a couple of days, the the shooting shifts to Pollachi. But Sneha disappears on the way to the new location. Everyone tries to find the child, with hardly any clues about the mysterious incident. The story takes a curious turn when Chief Inspector Venkitachal Aiyer (Nasser) reaches the scene to investigate the case and declares that Sneha is not the daughter of Sachidandandan. The film goes on to tell what actually happens behind her disappearance and how they unearth ways to find her.
The film resembles many earlier movies, especially Mani Ratnam's classic Kannathil Mutthamittal in its plot lines, even though director Leo has tried to present it differently. Finally, the movie reaches a predicable line as the story progresses. However, an attempt has been made by the director to make the movie a "suspense thriller" with the mystery associated to the disappearance of the child.
The performance of Sreenivasan as Sachi is particularly good, though it is not his best. Padmapriya as Anu is the real show-stealer; her expressions and emotional intensity grab the close attention of the audience. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Biju Kuttan provide the needed comic relief; Lalu Alex plays another routine character. Nasser is predictably outstanding.
Music by Alphonse Joseph is another highlight of the movie. Among his three songs, 'Janmathil' and 'Chithrathooval' are hummable. Cinematography by Manoj Pillai has successfully brought brilliance to some sequences with his mesmerizing shots. Joseph Nellikal (art direction) has also given remarkable support in creating sets with the needed feel.
On the whole, Pachamarathanalil is a clean family entertainer and must be appreciated for its novelty.
