Terrific BGM, Production values, CinematographyTerrific BGM, Production values, CinematographyWeak Characters, Songs, Editing, Mediocre narration, Dragging scenes

After few disastrous outings like Drama, Velipadinte Pusthakam to name a few, Malayalam legend Mohanlal is back on screens, this time collaborating with debutant maker VA Shrikumar Menon for the big budget entertainer Odiyan, based on the popular Malayalam folklore. Here's team AP Herald's exclusive first on net Odiyan Review.


The film set in Thenkurissi, and revolves around Odiyan Manickyan the last known person living from the Odiyan clan, known for their shape shifting abilities, and their black magic powers. With Manickyan being such a powerful person, he faces troubles in the form of Prakashraj, and now he has to use his powers to protect not just himself but also his family, Manju Warrier and Sana Altaf, and whether Odiyan was able to do it successfully, and who won the battle between Lal and Prakashraj is what Odiyan is all about.

Mohanlal proves the legend that he is, and he oozes energy, and conveys emotions with extreme subtlety and in the action episodes, and in various avatars, the actor's effort is evident, and deserves applause. Prakashraj as the villain tries hard to make an impact but the character sketch is weak and doesn't help him prove his versatility. Manju Warrier plays the perfect foil for Laletten and is aptly cast, while Sana Althaf is good. The rest of the cast is adequate.

Background score by Sam CS is stunning and elevates many mass sequences to a different level, and the songs by Jayachandran fall flat with none being hum worthy. Cinematography by Shaji is top notch as it captures the terrific action episodes and offers spectacular visuals. Editing by John Kutty could have been taut. Debutant VA Shrikumar Menon has got a great opportunity on debut to direct a legendary hero of the stature of Mohanlal, and a massive cast including Prakashraj and Manju Warrier, and has taken the Malayalam folklore of shapeshifting Odiyan clan as the premise.

However, despite the interesting premise, the maker fails in the execution. The first half of Odiyan moves at a leisurely pace, with the stunt sequences at places  alone being the respite for the audience, while the second half tries to compensate for it with more of goosebumps moments, with Mohanlal's performance coming in handy, offering some stunning sequences, and Peter Hein's action choreography is commendable. Shrikumar Menon must have focused on the screenplay, as overall it falls flat with the narration, and does not possess many mass moments despite a shapeshifting premise. All said, despite a great technical team and grand production values, Odiyan doesn't satisfy audience totally, and ends up as an average outing.

Mohan Lal, Manju Warrier, Prakesh Raj ,V. A. Shrikumar Menon, Antony Perumbavoor, M. JayachandranA biggie that could have been made better, saved partially by Mohanlal.

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