NILAI MARANDHAVAN is remake of the Malayalam language neo-noir psychological thriller film “TRANCE” directed and produced by Anwar Rasheed and written by Vincent Vadakkan.

NILAI MARANDHAVAN with a bold theme is an intangible presentation with multi layered narration that boasts of some incredible performances. The film is a rollercoaster ride of the character’s maniac journey. If the first half is gripping and sets up the viewer for an interesting case for the second half. This is where the movie takes a dip after an intense and fantastic first half. The second half is largely contrived and tries to take in much more than it can swallow. The long scenes of humour lose steam mid way and digresses from the main plot. The film is still an audacious attempt that can quite unsettle a lot of institutions.

Faahad Faasil is terrific and shoulders the film with his imaginative performance. Nazriya moves off from her comfort zone and is good. Gautam Vasudev Menon, Chemban Vinod, Vinayakan, Dileesh Pothan, Sreenath Bhasi, swing it well.

Amal Neerad’s cinematography is splendid. Sushin Shyam-Jackson Vijayan’s background score is effective. The dialogues are good, editing by Praveen Prabhakar is good and direction by Anwar Rasheed is remarkable.

NILAI MARANDHAVAN is Faahad Faasil’s trance in symphony.

NILAI MARANDHAVAN – NIZHAL !!!

3.25/5