Pathemari: Into the league of good World Cinema.

[Ranjithfan]

Migration is a universal phenomenon:Studied extensively by academicians and policy makers, talked of and experienced by people across the world and conceived through the eyes of literature and art. They often present fascinating tales of desperation,hope,conflict,co-operation and survival- Tales which could inspire ingenious film makers. Kerala too has an inspiring story on migration to tell. It is a tale which must be told for the kind of impact it has had on the social, cultural and economic structure of our state. Thus, it is surprising to discover that this greatly potent subject has never been explored by our film makers, though glimpses of the lives of Gulf Malayalis have been shown in movies like Arabikkadha and Diamond Necklace. After 50 years since the beginning Malayali's migration to Gulf, Salim Ahamed takes up this herculean task. After a dream debut(Adaminte makan Abu) and a half baked second film(Kunjananthante Kada), Salim Ahamed joins his favorite technical team comprising stalwarts like Madhu Ampatt and Resul Pookutty and the incredible Mammootty to give us Pathemari(Trading vessel).


Carrying out a proper research and rightly identifying the areas of focus are the important prerequisites for starting such an ambitious film project and the director has succeeded greatly in this regard. Putting the identified areas of focus into screenplay and dialogues require even more brilliance and this is what he has done best. Each scene has been written carefully making sure that nothing looks out of context. Also commendable is the way he moves between different periods in the story. Dialogues come right from the heart and are of great depth and insight.


On the technical side, it is Madhu Ampat's cinematography which stands out. Art direction, music, sound design and VFX are all good and are well coordinated by the director. Editing has made a great change to the overall product by pacing it crisply. Watch out for the part where the Pathemari struggles to balance itself during severe rain and the title song, which truly captures the magical co-ordination of different departments of film making. The song "Pathemari",sung superbly by Shahbaz Aman sets the right tone for the movie and is used effectively at different stages.


A big salute to the production team for not compromising on the budget. It is heartening to see producers looking beyond immediate financial profit and realizing the need to pay cent percent sincerity to the subject. Never mind the Box office, this movie is here to stay and the makers can be proud of the final product.


Mammootty is fantastic as the protagonist: A controlled yet heart touching rendering of emotions and brilliant display of body languages and voice modulations of a man at different stages of life. Jewel Mary makes a strong debut essaying the role of Nalini, Narayanan's wife. Sreenivasan and Siddique got some very meaningful characters and they put up a superb show. The rest of the cast did a fine job.


Great movies have great endings and Pathemari too has one hell of a climax. The climax amazingly absorbs the essence of the whole movie. It is so heart touching that it is difficult not to wet your eyes. Mammootty is just extraordinary in the climax and gives us the best acting moments one would see in a long long time.


Pathemari is one movie which you,as a Malayali,can proudly show to any film viewer in the world for its theme,making and performances. If you love meaningful movies, you can't miss this wonderfully narrated tale.

Verdict: Excellent (5/5)

[Iyyer The Great]

Thanks

[moovybuf]

Superb review......thanks

[4EVER]

Super Review...Thanks

[Vellimoonga]

Thanks Ranjithfan

[classic]

.....

[ClubAns]

Thanks Ranjithfan .......................

[Devarajan Master]

Migration is a universal phenomenon:Studied extensively by academicians and policy makers, talked of and experienced by people across the world and conceived through the eyes of literature and art. They often present fascinating tales of desperation,hope,conflict,co-operation and survival- Tales which could inspire ingenious film makers. Kerala too has an inspiring story on migration to tell. It is a tale which must be told for the kind of impact it has had on the social, cultural and economic structure of our state. Thus, it is surprising to discover that this greatly potent subject has never been explored by our film makers, though glimpses of the lives of Gulf Malayalis have been shown in movies like Arabikkadha and Diamond Necklace. After 50 years since the beginning Malayali's migration to Gulf, Salim Ahamed takes up this herculean task. After a dream debut(Adaminte makan Abu) and a half baked second film(Kunjananthante Kada), Salim Ahamed joins his favorite technical team comprising stalwarts like Madhu Ampatt and Resul Pookutty and the incredible Mammootty to give us Pathemari(Trading vessel).


Carrying out a proper research and rightly identifying the areas of focus are the important prerequisites for starting such an ambitious film project and the director has succeeded greatly in this regard. Putting the identified areas of focus into screenplay and dialogues require even more brilliance and this is what he has done best. Each scene has been written carefully making sure that nothing looks out of context. Also commendable is the way he moves between different periods in the story. Dialogues come right from the heart and are of great depth and insight.


On the technical side, it is Madhu Ampat's cinematography which stands out. Art direction, music, sound design and VFX are all good and are well coordinated by the director. Editing has made a great change to the overall product by pacing it crisply. Watch out for the part where the Pathemari struggles to balance itself during severe rain and the title song, which truly captures the magical co-ordination of different departments of film making. The song "Pathemari",sung superbly by Shahbaz Aman sets the right tone for the movie and is used effectively at different stages.


A big salute to the production team for not compromising on the budget. It is heartening to see producers looking beyond immediate financial profit and realizing the need to pay cent percent sincerity to the subject. Never mind the Box office, this movie is here to stay and the makers can be proud of the final product.


Mammootty is fantastic as the protagonist: A controlled yet heart touching rendering of emotions and brilliant display of body languages and voice modulations of a man at different stages of life. Jewel Mary makes a strong debut essaying the role of Nalini, Narayanan's wife. Sreenivasan and Siddique got some very meaningful characters and they put up a superb show. The rest of the cast did a fine job.


Great movies have great endings and Pathemari too has one hell of a climax. The climax amazingly absorbs the essence of the whole movie. It is so heart touching that it is difficult not to wet your eyes. Mammootty is just extraordinary in the climax and gives us the best acting moments one would see in a long long time.


Pathemari is one movie which you,as a Malayali,can proudly show to any film viewer in the world for its theme,making and performances. If you love meaningful movies, you can't miss this wonderfully narrated tale.

Verdict: Excellent (5/5)

Review made in IIT.

[Ranjithfan]

Review made in IIT.

Haha. How do you know?

[gldnstar]

Thx @Ranjithfan ..