Padmini movie review: This Kunchacko Boban film had the potential to scale heights, but it chose not to – The Indian Express

At once, we’re transported two years into the long run, the place Rameshan continues to stay single regardless of his sturdy need to discover a life companion. He resides along with his mom (Seema G Nair) and brother (Ganapathi). Rameshan embarks on a quest for a bride with the help of his good friend (Anand Manmadhan). His efforts lead him to satisfy Sreedevi (Aparna Balamurali). Nevertheless, as a consequence of unexpected circumstances, their connection fails to take off. It’s throughout this time that Rameshan crosses paths with Padmini (Madonna Sebastian), a visitor lecturer who just lately joined his faculty. Love blossoms between them, and so they resolve to get married. Nevertheless, as they proceed with their plans, one other vital impediment arises, inflicting a recent dilemma for Rameshan. The rest of the movie revolves round Rameshan’s journey to disentangle himself from this newfound problem.

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Proper from the beginning, Padmini constantly delivers loads of laughter-inducing moments in a way that displays Senna Hegde’s naturalistic fashion, with out forcing the jokes into the storyline. By skillfully utilising conditions that naturally come up throughout the narrative and incorporating humour that aligns with these eventualities, Padmini maintains an genuine method with out deviating from its meant path.

In Padmini, regardless of that includes a star-studded solid, which differs from Senna’s earlier works, the director has deliberately averted incorporating components that align with the established picture of those proficient actors. Even within the case of Kunchacko Boban, whereas successfully leveraging his romantic hero persona, the maker has tried to not embrace too many nostalgic reminders of the thespian’s previous motion pictures, although there are just a few in that regard. The director has additionally skillfully ensured that the scenes in Padmini possess a refreshing high quality, distinct from the same old tropes present in Malayalam romantic comedies.

Whereas Deepu Pradeep’s script in Padmini gives ample moments to tickle the viewers’ humorous bones and gives an satisfying viewing expertise, the narrative, sadly, falters in direction of the top, concluding abruptly. Regardless of the buildup in direction of a probably intriguing climax, the movie’s conclusion evokes a robust sense of déjà vu, harking back to Senna’s Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam, however not in a nostalgic method. As an alternative, it feels extra like a low-quality remake of the identical. 

Moreover, though the narrative skillfully depicts all characters as equally petty and determined, the portrayal of girls in Padmini, notably these with temporary appearances, aligns with the stereotype of girls being nosy. This might have been simply averted since these characters contribute nothing vital to the general story. Moreover, a dialogue spoken by one of many characters that states, “Ith chayakkada alla, paippin chuvadu aanu (This isn’t a tea store, this appears to be like like the encircling of a public faucet),” reeks of misogyny and elitism. If the filmmakers had exercised extra warning and shunned together with such pointless moments and seemingly innocent quips, Padmini would have shone brighter regardless of its disappointing descent in direction of the top.

On the efficiency entrance, Kunchacko Boban undeniably steals hearts along with his overwhelming cuteness and the best way he handles humour with subtlety and composure. This can be a notable distinction to his earlier over-the-top comedic performances in movies like Mallu Singh, Three Kings, and 101 Weddings, demonstrating his progress as an actor in each side. Concurrently, he seldom compromises on successfully portraying the emotional turmoil skilled by his character.

Nevertheless, it’s Sajin Cherukayil’s portrayal of the extraordinarily possessive but silly “Raareeram” Jayan that lingers within the minds of viewers even after the movie ends. His means to navigate comedy, seamlessly transitioning between pure and exaggerated depictions as required, continues to impress. Likewise, Vincy Aloshious’ efficiency as Smrithy shines regardless of her restricted display time, leaving a robust impression. Anand Manmadhan additionally delivers a commendable efficiency, showcasing his worth as a supporting actor along with his easy portrayal. Aparna Balamurali excels in her function because the ultra-romantic household lawyer, showcasing her expertise. Nevertheless, sadly, Madonna Sebastian fails to make an impression right here.

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Whereas cinematographer Sreeraj Raveendran has performed a commendable job, regardless of restricted alternatives to showcase the complete vary of a DOP’s abilities, editor Manu Antony additionally deserves reward for his contribution. Nevertheless, it’s music director Jakes Bejoy who stands out among the many technicians, hitting it out of the park along with his fascinating tracks that seamlessly align with the movie’s narrative and convey a refreshing high quality to it.

In brief, Whereas Padmini had the potential to be a soothing and feel-good romantic comedy, the movie, which began off strongly, sadly, descends right into a disappointingly handy ending, stopping it from reaching its full potential and hovering to larger heights.

Padmini film solid: Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian, Vincy Aloshious, Sajin Cherukayil, Anand Manmadhan
Padmini film director: Senna Hegde
Padmini film score: 3 stars