Mamangam
Ratings: 3/5
Duration: 2 Hrs 02 Mins
Director: M. Padmakumar
Genre: Drama, History
Release Date: 12 December, 2019 (India)
Star Cast: Mammooty, Neeraj Madhav, Anu Sithara, Unni Mukundan, Prachi Tehlan, Sudev Nair, Kaniha, Manikuttan, Manikandan, Meghanadhan, Suresh Krishna, Achuthan
Plot: The historical-period-drama film Mamangam, named after an 18th-century festival ‘Mamankam’ was celebrated between 800 AD and 1755 AD of the 18th century in the banks of the Bharathappuzha at Tirunavaya, in the Malabar region. The non- fiction film will follow the story of the members of Chandothu Tharavadu, Chaaverukal (suicide warriors) who plot to overthrow the Zamorin rulers during the Mamangam festival, which happens once in every 12 years.
Review: The big budget heroic story directed by M Padmakumar takes the audience through the unexplained losses and the self-indulgence of suicide.
Though megastar Mammooty as Chandroth Valiya Panicker does not have much screen presence, watch out for his performance as the character with a feminine touch. The biggest highlights of Mamangam is the electrifying performance by him and his different makeover, action and dialogue diction. Nevertheless, he steals the show in the historical character, giving everything that is required for perfection.
Unni Mukundan, Prachi Tehlan and Achuthan plays important roles. The two members from the Chandroth family of Valluvanadu, is ably and intensely portrayed by Unni Mukundan and Achuthan, the young kid, and makes a huge impact. Even Prachi Tehlan is convincing in her role.
Among the leading ladies, Kaviyoor Poonama and Valsala, who have a brief on-screen time, put their experience to play by lifting those scenes with their strong performances. Manikuttan is excellent in the second half and is the surprise package. Whereas, Siddique impresses as the villain.
Kaniha somewhat looked a misfit with the dubbing adding to the woes. Whereas, Sudev Nair and Suresh Krishna's roles are poorly written.
Compared to the first half, the second half of the film is better. It’s the second half of the film that’s engaging and entertaining.
The film’s screenplay has been beautifully created with amazing costumes, weapon designs, action choreography, dialogues, and art direction. It is the lush visuals that give a lot of depth to the film.
The songs of the film are good, but the surprise song sung by KJ Yesudas is the best.
Sachit and Ankit Balhara's background score complements the proceedings
Overall, this story of an epic rivalry does feel slightly lost, but the movie wins a big time in narrating the tale to the audiences in an appropriate way
