A former petty thief decides to take on a powerful minister over a pothole that led to a dog bite. He will stop at nothing until the minister is brought to justice, even when he knows that his resources are limited, support is hard to come by, and the legal system might be prejudiced against him because he used to be a habitual offender. He goes against the minister regardless, and what follows is a legal comedy drama that is hilarious and stinging in equal measures.
Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, the man behind the screwball comedy Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham and the endearing Android Kunjappan, is back with a social satire. Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a David v/s Goliath tale, with the former deciding to take legal recourse to prove his innocence, while also highlighting how elected representatives get away with almost everything—the said pothole is perhaps a metaphor of larger malice of corruption, abdication of responsibility and indifference of those that are chosen to rule.
Over the years Kunchacko Boban has grown from a romantic hero to a serious performer, with an appetite for landing in roles (granted, his filmography has titles that even the most avid Malayalam cine goer may find hard to recall) that demanded exploration of sides and shades of men that are vastly dissimilar. The actor has been part of some of the finest movies in recent times—the hunted cop in Nayattu, the artful yet charming happy-go-lucky Sanjeev in Bheemante Vazhi, and the passionate activist in Pada—and has come up with a host of contained, memorable performances. He continues this streak of sparkling performances with Nna Thaan Case Kodu.
Even before the movie hit the screens, Kunchacko's perfectly graceless dance moves had taken the internet by storm, with celebs, influencers and others trying to dance like they really can’t dance. The movie’s throwback to a simpler past does not end with the song. It traces the hike of petrol prices over the years, even as it showcases Rajeevan’s legal battle to restore his honour.
Fuel price hike is not the only thing that the director looks at even as the legal comedy unfolds in a tiny town in Kasaragod. He takes a dig at religion, politics and politicians, including the ruling dispensation in the state, and the legal system—and almost all of the jokes land well. The director continues the absurd comedic tone (the courtroom hums 'Devadoothar Paadi' at one point) that pulled off in his Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham, and even perfects it with his latest outing.
While much of the proceedings and dialogues make you laugh uncontrollably, that does not in any way take away the social commentary that the movie carries, and the almost realistic portrayal of a helpless man waging war against an influential political figure. A habitual offender who began his thieving career in his teens, Rajeevan is no stranger to prisons and the legal system. He does not even seem to be bitter about the reformations system that does little to reform him. Kunchacko aces as Rajeevan, emulating the gait, mannerisms and slang of a man who is easily dismissed and looked over as someone who is of little significance.
Gayathrie, playing Rajeevan's romantic interest and live-in partner, is praiseworthy. Although she does not have much to do in the first two acts, except to be a worried or upset partner, she has quite a few interesting lines in the third act, and the actor pulls it off with much self-assurance.
The talented supporting cast, including Rajesh Madhavan and quite a few new faces, is a treat to watch.
Granted, the film takes a few liberties with regard to court proceedings, police officers who are sometimes totally clueless, and politicians who seem to be a bit airheaded. But this is a social satire, with plenty of dark humour and quixotic comedy thrown in, intended to make a point—that the elected representatives need to be held accountable for their omissions and commissions.
Movie: Nna Thaan Case Kodu
Directed by: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
Starring: Kunchacko Boban, Gayathrie, Rajesh Madhavan
Rating: 3.5/5
