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| Baalyakalasakhi |
Story: The film is an adaptation of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's novel Baalyakalasakhi.
Pramod Payyannur tries to adapt Basher's timeless classic in an earnest manner, his efforts are undone by his lead characters since their bond, which is crucial for a romance, doesn't work its magic. As two separate entities,Mammootty and Isha are at their best while portraying Majid and Suhara. When together their chemistry hardly exists which drains out all the warmth that emanates from the childhood romance so beautifully presented in the film.
The director, who has also scripted the film, shows some unexplained haste as he snips off certain moments too suddenly. He also devotes considerable space and time for lengthy exhortations of Ameen Sahib played by Sasikumar. There is commendable effort that has gone into recreating the pre-independent era of Kolkata, ably assisted by the
studied frames of Hari Nair.
The viewers are also deprived of some of the most stirring moments in the novel as the director spares the ailing figure of Suhara and constantly projects her glowing beauty. It does aid in doing away with the sullen, depressive air, yet the moment could have stood out for the real, pure-hearted romance.
Mammootty plays double role as Majid and his father. The actor handles both with a skill so unique to him, but is constantly undone by shoddy makeup.