PANI – MOVIE REVIEW

PANI is an action thriller film written and directed by Joju George (in his directorial debut). The film is produced by AD studios and Appu Pathu Pappu. The film in Malayalam has since been dubbed in Tamil.

PANI starts off on a strong note, weaving an engrossing narrative with well-drawn characters that immediately pull you in. The gradual unraveling of the plot is paced perfectly in the first half, combining an engaging screenplay with a breezy flow that sets the stage for an adrenaline-filled second half.However, the film falters post-interval. The story veers into a predictable hunter vs. hunted trope, leaning heavily on revenge as the driving force. While this provides a framework for high-octane action, the screenplay starts to wobble, losing the nuanced storytelling established earlier. Logic takes a hit, with the police seemingly reduced to passive onlookers amidst the chaos. An intriguing subplot involving an IPS officer from the family remains woefully underdeveloped, a missed opportunity to add layers to the narrative. Despite these flaws, PANI thrives on its relentless energy. The pacing never slackens, and even with its shortcomings, the screenplay manages to keep viewers on edge until a rather formulaic climax.
Joju George’s commanding performance is the heart of the film. He effortlessly embodies his character, delivering a range of emotions with a magnetic presence. Abhinaya complements him well with a dignified and nuanced portrayal. Among the antagonists, Sagar stands out with a more fleshed-out role, while Junaiz does a serviceable job. Prashant Alexander, unfortunately, has little room to shine.
The technical aspects are a mixed bag. Cinematography by Venu and Jinto George is adequate but not groundbreaking. The background score, helmed by Vishnu Vijay and Sam CS, elevates the intensity, adding much-needed vigour to the proceedings. Manu Antony’s editing keeps the film tight, while the dialogues are functional. Joju George’s directorial debut is a promising one.

PANI, a Gripping Action Thriller with a Mixed Bag..

PANI – PAYAN !!

2.75/5

B.U.Shreesha