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Bro Daddy: A Prithviraj Sukumaran Film
In Onam 2002, I was still trying to defend what is to date the worst Mohanlal movie I watched, Thandavam. In that mood I felt like downriding all the other Onam releases. That same week, a movie called Nakshathra Kanile Rajakumaran Avanundoru Rajakumari released starring Prithviraj and watching the film, I just wanted to mock at and make fun of him (before Nandanam release).
In the ensuing 20 years, I have watched and admired Prithviraj's journey. What stood out throughout was his willingness to take risks. Be it his first directorial Lucifer or dark themed movies in the late 2010s when feel good movies were ruling the roost. Nonetheless, with the announcement of Bro Daddy, I wondered if he took one risk too many. That too when he could have easily won plaudits in a thriller or action genre directorial which are much more his comfort areas.
Despite all this, Bro Daddy has come out really well and this could well be another feather in Prithvi's cap if the initial reviews are anything to go by. Directing comedy and making the audience laugh is not at all an easy task. Yet Bro Daddy is the rare recent Malayalam film where I had to catch breath from laughing uncontrollably. For the humourous situations alone, Bro Daddy is worth watching. After a slow-paced 10-15 mins where nothing much is happening, we get into the main plot of the film and thereafter it is the John Kattadi-Eesho John Kattadi comedy show. One after another they both leave us in splits. Before John Kattadi participates actively in proceedings, Anna Kurien and Eesho have some funny moments too (Kalyani is emerging to be a very good comic actress). Plot wise this film is pretty ordinary but it is how the director presents the situations that makes Bro Daddy a winner for me. A word for Deepak Dev's apt BGM amplifying the comic situations and the 96 spoof score would not be amiss.
The 1st half also has a memorable scene between Mohanlal and Malika Sukumaran and also an airport scene where John understands the crux of Eesho's problem which really show us what a fantastic comedy actor Mohanlal can still be given the right script and director. Coming to the 2nd half, the film becomes a tad too long where Kurien finds out about the chain of events which leads to some unnecessary scenes especially involving an event management company. Then Prithviraj has his finest moment where in a pitch scene he shows his range and calibre as an actor, and from there on the film ends on a high note. The 2nd half does have a lovely song along with a wonderful father-son scene (where Lal emotes and renders well) which forms the emotional crux of this film. Dont want to post spoilers at this stage.
What I loved the most were the combination scenes between Lal and Prithvi. Such a cool father-son combo.
Have to also applaud the lovely animations in the title sequence and the songs came out well though felt somewhere familiar. Though the movie is more of a timepass entertainment than plot driven, liked the way the generational conflicts were played out towards the end.
Stand Out Performances
-Mohanlal: Really glad to see an energetic performance from him and clearly he was having fun. It was great to see him play a father to another star and that too with a more slapstick comedy touch not like a serious father role. Really hope he selects more such roles where he has a bit of a blast which can reflect effectively in the result.
-Lalu Alex: Great range in comic and emotional scenes
-Prithviraj: I would say he has improved a lot in his comic timing. Great to see him in a lazy, laid back role with somewhat negative shades as opposed to his stiff characters.
-Kalyani: Loved her dubbing and performance throughout, though she isnt much seen in the 2nd half.
-Malika Sukumaran shined in her cameo as the typical achayamma.
Negatives
-This movie is an over-the-top comedy drama. No one is trying to underplay things here. Even Lal is himself over the top. The good thing is the cast know this and maintain that consistent tone throughout knowing well that they are over the top. No one feels out of place. I didnt find Soubin's character that bad. Having said that, this tone and treatment will mean this movie will likely not work for all tastes.
-Meena and Kaniha were over dressed and especially in makeup. Felt Unni Mukundan needed a bit more definition to his character
-The much hyped SI Antony scene did not create the registered impact.
-First 15 minutes
-Bit too much colour and glossiness to the characters and sets made the movie look like an expensive advertisement at times. Feels like the women were whitewashed in particular.
-Could have been trimmed and edited better towards the climatic portions (Similar issue with Kuruthi)
Bro Daddy ended up being a surprise for me personally. I had little hopes this film would work out but it ended up giving me more than a chuckle and a positive vibe at the end. Prithviraj the director is truly here to stay and shows his range in spite of the challenges presented. Thus, Prithvi, we really owe you one.
Rating: 3.5/5
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Originally Posted by Sree
