Originally Posted by
critic
Spine, Grit and Heart
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Movie - Left Right Left
19/6/13 11 am PVR Kochi
Review
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There could be possibly 2 modes of reviewing Director Arun Kumar Aravind's latest movie 'Left Right Left'. One would be on its political content and the other would be as a mere cinema- goer. The writer would rather prefer to opt for the later because thats what seems more easily associatable.
'Left Right Left' is a political saga interconnecting 3 lives and their journey. The movie begins by introducing 3 of the characters during their formative years. The start looks a bit off beat but soon the movie gets on track. Parallel depiction of scenes (for example - the strike and the expose discussion at the cafe) add value to screenplay. Movie reaches high gear with the 2 defining events related to all the 3 characters. By the interval, barring a few minutes of lag, what you feel is a good meaty movie.
Post interval the movie travels along expected lines for some time. Some scenes are very long and lack the final impact, especially the scene in the wide open where the erstwhile activist challenges the chief. Some scenes here are unnecessary and the length kind of starts to show, close to the 'parting scene' at airport. The death of one of the protagonist is almost as if expected and prepared for, in few scenes. Flashback is a bit long. But soon the movie rises to its final punches which are superlative and heart touching. Be it the kids of orphanage arriving or the break down scene or the finale or the tail end, its intense, heart touching cinema for which Malayalam has been known for ages.
'Left Right Left' can easily boast of some of the best performances in recent times. Indrajith as 'Vattu Jayan' is impeccable. He lifts many of the scenes with his clinical and uplifting performance. Haresh Peradi as 'Kaitheri Sahadevan' is super impressive. Lena as 'Anita' is soulful. Murali Gopi as 'Cheguvera Roy' is good but could add a little more impact.Sethulekshmi as Vattu Jayan's mother is superb.
'Left Right Left' is rich in writing. Kudos to Murali Gopy for coming up with something like this. Direction does justice to the script. Music by Gopi Sunder is a big bonus. Cinematography and Editing are competent.
'Left Right Left' is not devoid of flaws. The length is one of those. It feels the length at times, with 2 hour 45 mins ordeal. And many a times 'Kaitheri Sahadevan' is made to feel like God and the only power to go to, even for things outside the party, which does not seem relatable or sensible.
'Left Right Left' makes you enter a 'catharsis' mode as a movie goer. Just when you thought that you would have to be content with fart jokes, drug abuse, sex and complex hyperlink stuff in Malayalam, here comes a movie that makes you remember of the kind of cinema Malayalam was revered for - Story of the soil, Good Writing and Super performances.
In short, if you have a little bit patience and an open mind to see a kind of cinema that is intense, earthy, powerful and with an impact, watch 'Left Right Left'. Its made with much heart, spine and grit.
Verdict - Bedazzling
Rating - 3/5
