'Ennu Swantham Punyalan': A quirky ride packed with fun and mystery | Movie Review
Starring Balu Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and Anaswara Rajan in lead roles, the story centres around Fr Thomas (Balu Varghese), who is transferred to a remote hillside church.
Starring Balu Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and Anaswara Rajan in lead roles, the story centres around Fr Thomas (Balu Varghese), who is transferred to a remote hillside church.
Starring Balu Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and Anaswara Rajan in lead roles, the story centres around Fr Thomas (Balu Varghese), who is transferred to a remote hillside church.
The ‘punyalan’-devotee camaraderie genre is one Malayalis are well-acquainted with, thanks to films like 'Amen' and 'Pranchiyettan & the Saint'. So, when you come across a title like 'Ennu Swantham Punyalan', it’s natural to expect something along similar lines. The trailer, too, hinted at a whimsical, fantasy-driven narrative. While the movie does partially follow this template, it diverges with its mix of witty banter and an intriguing dose of suspense.
Starring Balu Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and Anaswara Rajan in lead roles, the story centres around Fr. Thomas (Balu Varghese), who is transferred to a remote hillside church. Life takes an unexpected turn when two strangers enter his world—one seemingly with innocent intentions and the other shrouded in a sinister agenda. What unfolds is a whirlwind of chaos and mystery that keeps the audience guessing.
The first half of the movie lays the groundwork for Fr. Thomas's character, his surroundings, and the relationships that define him. Director Mahesh Madhav seamlessly weaves in the chaotic element of the story early on, setting the tone for the events to unfold.
The story initially appears to take a serious turn, but it doesn't take long for the humour to kick in. As always, Balu Varghese brings his undeniable charm to the screen, and his dynamic interactions with Anaswara Rajan and Arjun Ashokan add an engaging layer to the story. Arjun Ashokan takes on an eccentric, high-energy role that adds vibrancy to the film. The second half is where the mystery truly unravels, disrupting any assumptions you might have had about the story’s trajectory. While the plot progression may not be groundbreaking, it remains thoroughly engaging, keeping the audience invested till the end.
Actors like Althaf Salim and Renji Panicker inject a delightful dose of humour and energy into the film, elevating its comedic charm. However, the narrative does leave a few loose ends, with some connections feeling underdeveloped, which might leave viewers wanting a bit more cohesion.
That said, if you're in the mood for a lighthearted family entertainer, this movie is definitely worth a trip to the theatres.