Soothravakyam, starring Shine Tom Chacko and Vincy Aloshious, offers a serviceable mystery thriller that, despite promising performances, is ultimately let down by its underdeveloped writing.
From Classroom Clashes to Dark Secrets
The film introduces us to Christo Xavier (Shine Tom Chacko), a police SHO who doubles as a popular mathematics tutor for local school students. His unconventional evening classes above the police station draw students away from their regular teachers, including Nimisha (Vincy Aloshious).
Initially, Christo and Nimisha clash over their shared students, but their mutual dedication soon evolves into understanding. Set against the backdrop of a quaint Palakkad village, the movie begins with a light, feel-good vibe, reminiscent of classic teacher-student narratives.
A Village’s Hidden Trauma Unveiled
The narrative takes a dark turn with Arya (Anagha Annet), a vibrant schoolgirl whose life is shadowed by her elder brother Vivek (Deepak Parambol). Vivek harbors deep resentment towards Arya, leading to constant emotional and physical abuse, particularly over her relationship with Akhil (Naseef PP).
Despite interventions from Christo and Nimisha, Vivek’s violence escalates. A brutal assault on Arya and Akhil marks a critical turning point, leading to a crime that drives the latter half of the film and transforms the story into a mystery thriller.
Where the Script Falters
While director Eugien Jos Chirammel keeps the technical aspects on track, the writing struggles to fully engage. The film fails to establish a convincing bond between Christo and his students, leaving their strong attachment unexplained beyond superficial interactions.
Many characters, including Nimisha and Akhil, remain underdeveloped, feeling more like plot devices than fleshed-out individuals. The central mystery, while attempting to build suspense, ultimately underplays the victim’s significance and delivers a final revelation that feels disconnected from the core plot, almost like an added subplot.
Viewers might also find themselves experiencing déjà vu, as certain elements bear a striking resemblance to the recently released “Sookshmadarshini.”
Glimmers of Promise
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Soothravakyam manages to remain watchable, largely due to Eugien’s disciplined direction. He avoids letting the film completely derail and wraps up the story without unnecessary padding.
One notable strength is the sensitive portrayal of Arya and Akhil’s romance. Their relationship feels genuine and mature, sidestepping common clichés. Jean P Johnson’s background score effectively enhances the mood, and a poignant final shot, depicting Christo teaching “Integration” at a juvenile home, subtly underscores themes of rehabilitation.
Performances Under the Microscope
Shine Tom Chacko, though hindered by the script, showcases his potential, proving he’s a capable actor beyond his usual eccentric roles. Anagha Annet delivers a truly spectacular performance as Arya, embodying both vulnerability and strength with remarkable commitment.
Unfortunately, Vincy Aloshious’s portrayal of Nimisha feels as directionless as her character’s presence in the plot. Overall, the film is a testament to strong individual performances, even when the foundational writing falls short.
- The film is a serviceable mystery thriller with a compelling premise.
- Shine Tom Chacko and Anagha Annet deliver noteworthy performances.
- Weak writing and underdeveloped characters are key drawbacks.
- The mystery reveal feels somewhat detached from the main narrative.
Ultimately, Soothravakyam offers a watchable, if flawed, experience that leaves you wishing for a more robust script to match its promising talent.
