Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil (2024)
Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil bursts out of the gate with a hilarious first half, its jokes largely hitting their mark and priming the audience for a sidesplitting good time. Unfortunately, the film's momentum falters in its second half, as the plot takes center stage and the comedy takes a backseat. The film's promising interval bang set high expectations for an equally enjoyable latter half; however, the narrative falters as it becomes convoluted, and the epic finale the makers aimed for feels a little underwhelming despite the considerable buildup.
Nevertheless, this comedy is fairly engaging, thanks in large part to its solid ensemble cast. Basil excels in a role that plays to his strengths, but it's Prithvi who truly steals the show with a wacky performance that silences his naysayers. He chews up the scenery like a boss. With the cast featuring a multitude of talents, including Anaswara Rajan, Nikhila Vimal, Yogi Babu, Jagadeesh, and more, discussing each would consume significant space. For now, it's fair to say that all the actors portray their roles with conviction.
Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil is inspired by Priyadarshan's classic comedies of yesteryear, but ultimately falls short of matching their greatness. Despite this, it still provides steady entertainment, making it a passable one-time watch, suitable for enjoying in a bustling theater.