Mikhael movie review: the 'revengeful' angel

The opening credits of the Nivin Pauly-starrer go with the graphical visuals of how guardian angel Mikhael defends and protects the world from evil.

According to Bible, it's Mikhael who establishes the 'Laws in Heaven and Earth' and protects people's lives. Director Haneef Adeni has almost or completely taken an inspiration from the Biblical figure portraying a character who protects his family and takes responsibility for their safety.

But there seems to be only a wafer-thin line between the making of Adeni's 'Mikhael' and his debut film 'The Great Father'. In the latter, the revenge was for the sake of daughter, and in this, it's for a sister. While we saw the hero taking up the law and order in his own hands in 'The Great Father', similarly we get to see that the cops and the judicial systems stand as mere puppets. And just like how you saw the posh automobiles and grand outfits and richly affairs, we get to see the same in Mikhael too.

The whole mood of the revenge tale sets in with George Peter (Siddique) and his son Gerald (Amal) who excel in their roles. And Mikhael is the story of this father and son's (indirect) encounter with the guardian angel.

It's hard to define the characters, for Haneef has lined up an array of stars. Siddique and Amal are the soul of the movie and carry it with their total strength. Siddique reminds one and all that he is undoubtedly a fine actor. Nivin Pauly as the titular character impresses with his comics and emotional antics but could have refined himself in some of the so called 'mass moments'. J D Chakravarthi as Muhammad Easa too delivers an impressive role. A special mention for Suraj Venjaramood as Issac and the little girl who played the role of Jennifer as Mikhael's sister. Sudev Nair and Unni Mukundan too catch the eye with their looks yet hinders away from plot.

Yet another not-to-miss character is KPAC Lalitha's who probably steers the whole storyline even as she asks as a prelude to the climax “Get the girl killed”. Sorry to say but we forgot Manjima Mohan long before the film ended.

Even while you leave theaters, it's Gopi Sundar's background score that will linger on. The slow-paced thriller won't really blow your mind but it comes with enough masala for a Nivin Pauly movie.

And like how 'great the brother' Mikhael is to Jennifer, it would have been nice to see more of Babu Antony (who plays Mikhael's father).