Review | Gold as the ultimate target, 'Kasargold' treads familiar ground

'Kasargold', directed by Mridul Nair, kickstarts with an ancient folk legend that foreshadows the greed-fueled conflict at its core. Featuring Asif Ali and Sunny Wayne in the lead roles, 'Kasargold' leans towards being a stylish cinematic experience rather than a deeply engaging one.

In the movie, Alby (Asif Ali) and Faizal (Sunny Wayne) embark on a daring heist, stealing gold worth crores, and chaos ensues as a relentless gang pursues them for its retrieval.

While the movie's plot may appear somewhat familiar, it follows the tried-and-true formula seen in many Malayalam films. The conventional elements of a chase and fleeing to a different state have been employed. However, what sets this film apart is its refreshing use of Northern Kerala and its distinctive dialect. Nearly all the characters in the movie speak in the Northern Kerala dialect, and the stunning views and geography in and around Kasaragod are brilliantly incorporated, adding a unique dimension to the narrative.

Malayalam cinema has witnessed its fair share of films with plots revolving around the chase for gold, often portraying it as the ultimate obsession. In the movie, Asif Ali's character emphasizes how gold can be akin to a drug, but the movie fails to build on that. The film's challenge lies in its predictability, where you anticipate a fresh twist, but it rarely materializes, leaving you yearning for a more innovative storyline.

The initial half of the film unfolds at a leisurely pace, failing to pique the audience's curiosity about the forthcoming events. However, in the second half, the narrative gains momentum, introducing more compelling developments. Nevertheless, were it not for the visually striking cinematography and stylish elements, the movie might struggle to maintain its grip on the viewer.

Speaking of performances, Asif Ali truly stands out in his on-screen partnership with Sunny Wayne. His styling and swag throughout the movie add a distinct allure. Sunny Wayne, on the other hand, portrays a more grounded and mature character, maintaining consistency throughout the movie.

Additionally, the film features Vinayakan in a somewhat villainous role. His portrayal is commendable, with attention to detail evident in his character. Notably, his habit of mixing milk with alcohol is intriguing, a trope often associated with past trauma in movie villains. However, the movie doesn't delve deeply into exploring this aspect of his character.

While 'Kasargold' may not feature the typical mass scenes, it successfully captivates the audience, largely due to the evocative score by Vishnu Vijay. The film adheres to the characteristic aesthetics of a new-gen movie, with a distinct, eye-catching set design in numerous scenes. It's undoubtedly a cinematic experience worth indulging in, primarily due to the charismatic performances of Asif Ali and Sunny Wayne.