‘Checkmate’ review: Anoop Menon stars in a dark, fast-paced thriller

In a game of chess, it's all about being calculative. Every move has to be precise, for the player to stay ahead. 'Checkmate', Anoop Menon's latest film, progresses like a game of chess, introducing us to characters who are both pawns and queens in the game, who are making their way through New York, the city where each person is trying to live their dream.

Though debutant director Ratish Sekhar sets the narrative entirely in New York, we get only an illusion of what the city is - flashy lifestyles, expensive cars, hip hop dancers, the mafia and dons that rule the streets of New York. Probably, this was intentional as the story is centred around Philip Kurian, a powerful pharma magnate who is ruthless enough to stay ahead of the game. The rest of the characters around him are equally strategic.

The mystery that surrounds these characters, is the key draw of the film. Maya or Jessie played by Rekha Harindran, is a sophisticated woman, who has her own bag of surprises. She is not what she seems to be. Rekha is a newbie actor, but she does an exceptional job in the film carrying herself with a certain ease, with the confidence and style that are associated with actors like Nyla Usha and Amala Paul in Mollywood.

Anoop Menon who was last seen in 'Phoenix' also does an exceptional job as Philip Kurian. It is the chemistry between the two that works well for the movie. Rajalakshmy C as Annie, Lal as Boss, Anjali Mohanan as Anjali, Viswam Nair as Vinay, among others also play their roles to perfection.

Though the film revolves around the drug mafia and the ruthlessness of drug trials, it also touches upon sensitive subjects like women's fundamental rights to choose abortion, lesbianism, among others. The makers need to be appreciated for holding a torch to such issues. The plotline is also engaging.

However, the film is affected at places by its underwritten screenplay and its lack of focus. Though the makers successfully establish the characters, they are placed in haphazard situations, which affect the flow of the film. The non-linear storytelling style, however, adds to the intrigue.

Ratish, who is also a musician, has composed the songs and crooned three of them in the movie. The music captures the ethos of the film perfectly
Overall, the film, is an engaging watch, especially for those who love fast-paced, dark dramas, in a different setting.