Rahul Riji Nair’s latest directorial, “Flask,” attempts a comedic drama but largely falls short due to underdeveloped writing, though actor Suresh Krishna delivers a standout performance.
A Story of Dreams and Duty
The film introduces Jyothi Kumar, played by Saiju Kurup, a civil police officer with a hidden passion for singing. He finds his true happiness on stage with his music troupe, “Souparnika Orchestra,” in his hometown of Pattambi.
Jyothi’s life takes an unexpected turn when he loses an official file, leading to his reassignment as a Personal Security Officer (PSO). He is assigned to District Judge Venkidesh Balaji, portrayed by Suresh Krishna, a notoriously strict and unsmiling jurist.
Nicknamed a “Flask” for always carrying containers for their principals, Jyothi finds his musical aspirations sidelined by the demands of his new, monotonous job. The story escalates when Jyothi and Balaji are kidnapped by Maoists, led by Ganeshan (Sidharth Bharathan), setting the stage for negotiations for a captured comrade.
Missed Opportunities and Underdeveloped Script
Director Rahul Riji Nair, known for films like “Kho-Kho” and “Keedam,” once again presents a narrative brimming with potential that never quite takes flight. “Flask” could have explored themes of power imbalance, job dissatisfaction, or even dark humor, but instead, it settles for a series of mundane and predictable scenes.
Early on, the film features Jyothi singing a classic Malayalam song, a moment that feels more like an attempt to leverage nostalgia than a genuine plot point. The jarring voice dubbing for Saiju Kurup in this scene further detracts from the experience.
The everyday interactions and the portrayal of Jyothi’s police life are repetitive, failing to build any meaningful insight into his character or the monotony of his existence. Even when the plot shifts to the kidnapping, the dialogue remains uninspired, filled with clichés and lacking any real dramatic weight or comedic timing.
The Maoist characters, particularly Ganeshan, are poorly developed, leaving audiences with little emotional connection or understanding of their motives. This superficial treatment extends to the sensitive theme of Maoism itself, which is presented without depth or nuance, catering to common perceptions rather than exploring complexities.
Performances That Shine Through
Despite the script’s shortcomings, the cast does its best with the material. Saiju Kurup is well-suited to the role of Jyothi Kumar, but the weak writing prevents him from fully exploring or elevating the character.
However, it is Suresh Krishna who truly stands out as Judge Venkidesh Balaji. His body language and precise dialogue delivery command attention, making his portrayal incredibly convincing. Even with an underwritten character, Suresh Krishna manages to rise above the script, solidifying his reputation as a “convincing star.”
Sidharth Bharathan’s talent is largely underutilized in the shallow role of Ganeshan. In contrast, Anand Ekarshi, as Maoist Manu, makes a delightful impression during his limited screen time.
Technical Aspects
On the technical front, cinematographer Jayakrishnan Vijayan and composer Sidhartha Pradeep deliver competent work. While their contributions are decent, they don’t leave a lasting impression or significantly elevate the film’s overall impact.
- “Flask” struggles with an underdeveloped script and missed narrative opportunities.
- Suresh Krishna delivers a strong, standout performance as Judge Balaji.
- The film’s attempts at comedy and drama often fall flat due to weak writing and dialogue.
“Flask” had the potential to be a thoughtful blend of comedy and drama, but it ultimately settles for mediocrity, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled promise.
