Mr. Fraud doesn't impress ~ Madampi

[Madampi]

A B.Unnikrishnan movie is simply not the right place to look for a crisp plot and well defined characters. Throw in a pointless treasure heist script, add some mass masala elements, rope in the best man in the acting business, and name it exactly what it’s supposed to be called – Here’s presenting to you all, Mr. Fraud. Touted as a thriller, Unnikrishnans latest outing is just a mediocre attempt at film making that tries to cash in on the unparalleled brand value of its lead actor.

Bhai'ji is the perfect thief who’s the jack of all, and master of everything. The film opens to a robbery in a wedding party, where the hero impersonates a Bob Marley fanatic, sings and wins everyone’s trust; bombs open the money (dowry) vault and simply walks away with huge money before anyone knows. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the film; this isn’t the kind of film where you could ask for anything rational. Bhai'ji then sets off for his final treasure heist job at Aadityapuram Kottaram, where the heirs are at loggerheads over the ancestral treasure in the Vault, which is going to be opened after a gap of 41 years. He infiltrates as a treasure evaluator, and what follows forms the rest of the story.

Right from the word ‘go’ the director tries to mean business, but with a script that is plagued by loopholes there isn't much that he can do other than flaunt the film in a grand scale. Things were pretty okay till half way through the film, after which it derails in parts. The treasure heist scenes were poorly executed and were devoid of any thrills. The couple of subplots intended to give a purpose to the drama looks out of place and doesn't connect with the audience. There are twists and turns in the later half, most of which were expected. The characters in the film shower dollops of praises on the hero which indicates that the director was more interested in giving him a superhuman dimension.

This one is strictly for the Mohanlal fans- he was in fact a delight as Bhai ji though the role doesn't demand anything from the acting genius in him. He looks handsome and sweeps us away with his mannerisms, dialogue delivery, impeccable comic timing and action. Bhai ji’s team mates Abbas and Priya, played by Vijay Babu and Manjari Phadnis have nothing much to do other than stroll around. Siddique as Rajasekharan Varma is good, and Miya as Rajasekharans daughter Saraswathi is passable. Saikumar plays Sajan, a shrewd cop and he does tickle our funny bones a couple of times. Pallavi Purohit is wasted as a seductress. The stand-up comedian Ashvin Mathew was good as the shady Javed however the main antagonist Dev Gill as Nikki was pale in comparison thanks to an underwritten character.

Gopi Sunder’s background score was exciting, but the same cannot be said about the songs. Satish Kurups visuals were good.

What promised to be a taut and terrific thriller that could send shivers up your spine ends up as a rather ordinary affair. The movie won’t bore you, but neither will it give you reasons to get excited. A little more effort on the plot and characterization would have made a world of difference.

★★☆☆☆

[maryland]

thanks...

[Madampi]

thanks...

You're welcome sir :)

[KulFy]

good review
thanks

[ClubAns]

Thanks Madampi ...............

[critic]

Thats one of the best reviews of Mr.Fraud - Good one and Thanks Madampi

[ajbryt]

good review !!

[bhat]

Thanks..enne polulla churukkam chilarke Fraud ivide ishtamayulenu thonunnu

[Madampi]

good review
thanks

You''re welcome Kulfy.

Thanks Madampi ...............

Thats one of the best reviews of Mr.Fraud - Good one and Thanks Madampi

thank you for those nice comments :)

good review !!

You're welcome :)

Thanks..enne polulla churukkam chilarke Fraud ivide ishtamayulenu thonunnu

Ororutharkkum oro ishtangal alle bhat. Padam enne bore adipichilla, but then oru 2 manikkur lalettante mannerisms kaanan ishtamillatha malayalai undo ;)

[MHP369]

Thanks Madampi .......