After dabbling in a horror thriller in his third directorial, filmmaker Sooraj Tom is back this time with 'Vishesham', a feel-good family entertainer. Interestingly, the movie features Madhusoodanan Anand (as the lead), who made his debut as a scriptwriter with Sooraj's previous film 'Krishnankutty Panithudangi'.
In 'Vishesham' too, both Sooraj and Anand join forces to take us through the lives of a couple who are navigating the ups and downs of their second marriage. As in other family dramas, 'Vishesham' too oscillate between love, marriages and children. Despite deploying the predictable cliches of storytelling, it stays distinct in tone, giving us a more sensitive portrayal of what relationships need to be in this time and age.
In treatment too, there is an attempt at good comedy, with Althaf Salim, taking some of the limelight. The actor's performance in 'Mandakini' was criticised, but as Shiju's (Madhusoodanan Anand) friend and marriage broker, he brings back his old charm.
Some of the comedy scenes do fall flat and some even come across as sexist, but the dialogues feel largely relatable.
This is Anand's first outing as an actor and he has nailed his role. The music, also composed by Anand, blends in well. But the highlight is Chinnu Chandni Nair's performance as Saju, a divorcee who dons the khaki to get back at her ex-husband, played by Dileesh Pothan. We have seen her impressive performance in supporting roles, in films like 'Kaathal-The Core'. As a leading lady, she holds a lot of promise.
Though the makers have been extremely cautious about the female body image in the film, they don't seem too bothered about being politically correct about the hero's semi-bald look. The movie also discusses infertility, choosing not to scratch on the surface, but giving us a broader understanding of the difficulties faced by childless couples.
The supporting actors, including Baiju Johnson and PP Kunhikrihsnan, among others have also essayed their roles well.
