Generation Z kids living in walled homes in urban spaces may never know what life was like for children growing up in the early 90s. Debutant director Jithin Raj's 'Pallotty 90's Kids' is a fun movie that looks back at the good old days through the prism of childhood, evoking a longing for the past.
The movie, which won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Children's Movie last year, features two children, Kannan and Unni, who make the most of what little they have. Clearly, Davinci Santhosh as Kannan and Master Neeraj Krishna as Unni are the heart and soul of the film, which rides high on nostalgia. However, a more ambitious storyline could have elevated it further.
Kannan is a talented kid who converts old, used items into small toys that he shares with his best friend, Unni. The two, who are neighbours, share a brotherly bond cemented by their love for 'pallotty', a cheap sweet reminiscent of the chewing gum available in northern Malabar in the 1990s. Unlike other children's movies, such as 'Philip and the Monkey Pen', which mostly rely on fantasy and adventure, Jithin Raj's 'Pallotty 90's Kids' focuses mainly on revisiting the past. This may seem too simplistic, but it can still connect with audiences of all ages.
The movie's main strength is its innocent humour. The songs by Manikandan Ayyappa are also an extension of the theme, celebrating a bygone era with much emphasis on friendship. Davinci Santhosh, who debuted with 'French Viplavam', delivers an award-winning performance in the movie. His ability to combine humour and innocence, along with his great chemistry with Master Neeraj, who also performed excellently, is the film's highlight.
If Sunny Wayne was Ann Mary's go-to 'friend' in 'Annmariya Kalippilanu', Saiju Kurup as Manjulan Chettan takes on the role, though it isn't as exciting. Overall, the film is a good choice for adults who would love to revisit the past and children who could learn something about growing up in the 90s.