Violence and emotion collide in Joju George's directorial debut, 'Pani' | Movie Review

Joju George is back on our screens, but this time he’s stepping into the director’s chair for the first time with his film 'Pani', where he also plays the lead role. His attempt as a debut director comes across as confident, as he boldly pushes the limits of the film’s violent themes. The movie dives into some intense themes and follows Giri, a local kingpin played by Joju, along with his friends, who are part of the city’s hidden power structure. Things get chaotic when two young men disrupt their family life. It’s a wild ride filled with tension and unexpected twists, offering plenty of substance to keep us glued to the screen until the very end.

The necessity of the violence may spark debate, but what’s compelling is how invested you become in the story. Even if you can anticipate certain plot developments, the intensity keeps you engaged throughout.

In a film centred around themes like revenge, thriller, and action, it’s crucial to have compelling villain figures that evoke strong feelings of animosity from the audience. This film excels in that department, largely thanks to the performances of Sagar Surya and Junaiz VP, who truly steal the spotlight. Their energy is infectious, and their portrayals feel authentic, embodying a youthful vigour.
The way they tap into their characters makes it easy for viewers to develop a strong dislike for them, heightening the stakes of the story.

Joju doesn’t shy away from portraying violence in the film, with several scenes that really hit hard and can be quite disturbing. Whether the level of violence is appropriate or excessive is subjective and depends on personal taste. For those who enjoy a gritty, violent experience, the movie offers an exciting ride. But for viewers who aren’t fans of such themes, it might not be their cup of tea.

Vishnu Vijay’s background score and music really amp up the film's impact. The setting in Thrissur brings a festive vibe that comes through in the songs and score, but it’s not lighthearted; it’s intense and gripping.

Joju certainly commands attention in the film, and while we’ve seen him take on larger-than-life roles before, this one feels particularly intriguing. The supporting cast includes Abhinaya, Seema, Chandini Sreedharan, Prashanth Alexander, and Sujith Shankar, all of whom deliver solid performances that complement the story well.
The movie is undoubtedly a mass entertainer that seeks to tap into your emotions, skillfully triggering various feelings throughout. For those who enjoy intense viewing experiences and want to have a fun time, this one is worth heading to the theatres for.