ASHOK’s FIVE reasons to watch Malayalam film #Forensic starring #TovinoThomas and #MamtaMohandas – this is our own answer to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation drama. Written and directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul, this is an out and out crime thriller almost written for Tovino to showcase his genius. The cast includes Renji Panicker and Saiju Kurup in supporting roles.
My theory is that the genre of crime thrillers in Malayalam continues to draw inspiration from the iconic 1988 Mamootty starrer #OruCBIDiaryKurup, either consciously or sub-consciously. The protagonist should be an “expert” – he knows it all. He is almost imperious in dismissing others’ views. He should also know the techniques of his craft just like Sethrama Iyer threw down the dummy to figure out the cause of death. It is a different matter that the dummy scene has now become the focus of countless trolls and memes.
1. Tovino Thomas plays the grandiose sounding forensic expert, Samuel John Kattukaran; he is the expert on his subject. He is able to figure out the killer’s height basis some measurements of the ceiling; he applies a lie detection test on the suspect with his knowledge of heart devices; he can use coffee to rub marker ink and knows the secrets of masking the DNA results. He is assigned to Rithika Xavier (Mamata Mohandas) and while the film does not dwell on their past history, the tension between both is apparent from the start. Tovino comes across as intelligent, pro-active and ready to demonstrate his physical prowess. Mamata is commendable in her depiction of the police official with a failed marriage and looks the character completely.
2. #Forensic is slick, racy and keeps you hooked with its clever twists and turns but tends to become illogical at times. In fact, the problem with the film is perhaps that it tries to be too clever and at times the focus is on throwing red herrings to the audience rather than developing the characters or the plot. For viewers who love their crime thrillers, there is nothing to complain and the film keeps you guessing till the final reveal.
3. The cast includes Reba Monica John as the assistant to Tovino and Pratap Pothen. One good thing is that the film does not distract you with romance or comedy and keeps the focus on the case. Akhil George behind the camera and Jakes Bejoy on the music score complement the screenplay.
4. The film does not depict too much violence or gore in terms of action scenes but watching with the family is avoidable especially when it comes to the scenes that portray the violence on young children.
5. Ardent followers of Malayalam cinema will note a trend of films that capture the new trends or changing milieu in society. For example, #Virus captured the story of how the Nipah virus was contained in Kerala; #Uyare was a story based on acid attacks and #Immanuel based on the insurance scams. What is impressive is the manner in which the subject is researched, intricate nuances culled out and a plot is centered around the theme. Be prepared for a 1:1 on the subject of Forensic and ready to marvel at the genius of the hero as he cracks the case.
#Forensic is a treat for viewers who love their crime thrillers. It does not bother too much with sketching out the characters and perhaps that is not even required here. The film is almost an attempt to out-smart you and the final reveal in such plots almost always uncovers the most improbable suspect. #Forensic is no different. I am going with a 3 on 5. Watch it on #Netflix and let me know what you think.
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