'Paappan': A gripping crime investigation thriller

Joshiy's 'Paappan' starring Suresh Gopi and Gokul Suresh hit theatres on Friday. The movie is a crime investigation thriller revolving around a cold-blooded murderer, whose targets are all men.

Everyone familiar with Joshiy's style of movie-making would know how he likes to bring emotions alive onscreen, especially while catering to a family audience. In 'Paappan', too this worked, though a little more subtly. Even as the crimes take place and the motives unfold, the focus is more on the emotional journey of some of the main characters.

Leading the investigation is a smartly-dressed woman police officer Vincy Mathew, played by Neeta Pillai. The investigation gathers steam when her father, Abraham Mathew Mathan (Suresh Gopi) a retired police officer, is brought into the picture.

Is he the key to the criminal or is he hiding something else? The movie unfolds from there.

What's different about the script is the pattern of the murders that are committed.

There is no scope for predictions and the audience is kept on their toes continuously. The suspense continues till the end of the story.

The plot is refreshing and has attempted to break away from cliches that exist in the type of crime stories Mollywood has churned out before. Watching a capable woman police officer helm an investigation is quite a delight to watch. She is quick to admonish police officers who do not respect women, which is a reminder of the kind of empowerment women have achieved.

It feels good to see Suresh Gopi, who has been doing only a handful of movies these day, back in an investigation thriller. However, the man who had once delivered some of his greatest hits as a police officer in Joshiy's movies, is more restrained in this film. Those expecting to see the superstar deliver some power-packed dialogues and action scenes may be disappointed to see the star being relegated to the background. But that is how the story evolves.

The makers also have to be credited for not being swayed by the superstardom status of the actor and giving him a chance to explore his sentimental side.

There are several elements in the first of the movie which is quite praise-worthy and story writer RJ Shaan has to be credited for a convincing roadmap to the plot. There is no dull moment in the movie as twist after twist unfolds.

While the second half is almost as good, it becomes quite evident that the makers seemed to have been a bit clueless on the path to bring down the curtains.

Though Gokul Suresh does not have many dialogues in the movie, the chemistry between the father and son, is quite nice to watch onscreen. Asha Sharath, as a forensic expert, delivers a flawless performance.

All the other actors, including Vijayaraghavan, Kaniha and Nyla Usha have also done justice to their roles. The music by Jakes Bejoy complements the movie's moods.