IFFK Assignment - Moothon Review

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In Moothon, director Geethu Mohandas dares to speak of a volatile subject and deftly delivers the message to value love over gender. The nuances also extend to its raw treatment that is rarely seen in the whole of mainstream Indian cinema. 



The narrative takes shape in Lakshadweep and later switches its focus to the streets of Bombay. Nivin Pauly' s much anticipated portrayal of Bhai aka Akbar is captivating. The actor has successfully come out of a shell. The mind-blowing physical transformation itself suffices to prove the dedication of Nivin towards the film. He is convincing in each scene and effectively pulls off the variations that occur in the character. The nerve to accept such a taxing role is praiseworthy, especially when it may pose a threat to his boy-next-door image. 
 Roshan Mathew as Amir is a revelation. With angelic looks and a flair for subtle expressions, a certain finesse is also present in his performance throughout, reminiscent to that of the greats. Roshan’ s contribution is so critical that even a minor flaw would result in Nivin’ s act falling flat. The character of the 13 year old Mulla who forms the crux of the story is perfectly etched out. Sanjana Dipu was said to be discovered in a cinema theatre by the director after conducting numerous auditions all over the country. It has definitely paid off and she will be on the lookout for more magnificent performances in the future. Among the other actors, Dileesh Pothan, Shashank Arora and Sobhita Dhulipala leave an impact while Sujith Shankar as the crossdresser Latheef seems to be underutilized. The visuals from Lakshadweep are very fresh and appealing, but the picturisation of Bombay is already seen and hence dull at times. The authenticity of the scenes set in Lakshadweep hints at the potential research by the makers about life on the island. 

Moothon has heroically broken stereotypes in almost all aspects of the film, earning the 
director a place in the heart of the viewer.

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