Kallan D'Souza review: What a thug's life mirrors

What do we see by a closer look into the thug life - their diurnal activities, intentions, mindsets, pangs, pains, human instincts, pastime et al. It would be quite strangely, a bit distanced from the ordinary - like holding a mirror to the reality – exposing some truths, that might look ugly and contrary to certain common beliefs.

It's the same with the life of the eponymous character of the film 'Kallan D' Souza' directed by Jithu K Jayan and starring Soubin Shahir. The tales of thieves are always interesting and fun to watch, and the ensemble cast, which includes Dileesh Pothan, Surabhi Lakshmi, Vijaya Raghavan, makes no mistake in dishing out an engaging dramatic feast.

Contrary to an outright humorous take the title suggests, the storyline veers into a terrain of an intriguing suspense drama after the take-off. D'Souza Esthappan and his friend, played by Hareesh Kanaran are small-time thieves in a town. They undergo all kinds of travails and trauma such a profession entails. It was during such a flight with the police close on the heels that D'Souza breaks into a house and the mistress, Asha, saves him by letting him hide

Meanwhile, Manoj the CI of the local police station seizes a huge cache of black money on a tip-off, and his heroics hog the headlines. However, the man behind the Hawala cash, Kunju Muhammed, played by Ramesh Varma, senses, something fishy in the raid and is bent on nailing the police officer.

D'Souza and Asha cross each others' paths on several occasions and strike a good relationship. In D'Souza she finds a sanguine and good-natured human being. In him she feels the warmth she misses at home.

The movie tosses loads of exciting moments. Although in a cat-and-mouse fashion some of the twists really leave you gasping for breath.

Who stands apart in the acting department is Dileesh Pothan shaping up his character along with the course of the drama. Keeping him company is Surabhi Lakshmi with a perfect balance.

Hareesh Kanaran, Santhosh Keezhattoor, Sreejith Ravi, Rony David, Aparna Nair play their part meticulously to keep the plot tight and absorbing.

While the humour element is slightly touched, the substance of the story lies elsewhere. It may not be a lofty screenplay but make a mark as a deeply engaging narrative

It portrays a slice of the real, complex life throwing up question as to who is actually the thief and who does justice.

Camera by Arun Chalil captures the heat, hues and tenor of whole actions the Rizal Jainy assimilates the story and its essence in his editing. While Prashanth Karma and Leo Tom keep music of their songs in sync with the premise and plot, Kailas Menon successfully elevates the mood with his undetected background score. Yet, it's not still clear why fight sequences in movies still add BGM. Won't they be more thrilling without it?

Kallan D'Souza is definitely an engaging watch.