The new Malayalam film *Dheeran*, starring Rajesh Madhavan, attempts a nostalgic journey but unfortunately lands decades in the past due to its poor execution and outdated feel.
A Trip Back in Time, But Not the Good Kind
Some films effortlessly transport us to bygone eras, offering a comforting dose of nostalgia. *Dheeran* tries to do just that, but for all the wrong reasons. Its lack of narrative clarity and technical polish makes it feel like a movie that should have been released and forgotten decades ago, failing to capture the magic of the ’80s or ’90s in a positive light.
Lost in the Plot
The story centers on Eldhose, also known as Dheeran (Rajesh Madhavan), a man from Malayattoor who joins a mafia boss in Erode. His mission: eliminate a rival gangster, Saravanan. However, an unsuccessful attempt plunges him into deeper trouble.
The narrative quickly loses its way. The film abruptly jumps between Erode and Dheeran’s village, introducing characters without proper setup. This fragmented approach makes it hard to connect with Eldhose or the people around him.
Emotional Disconnects
Director Devadath Shaji attempts a *Manjummel Boys*-style flashback, linking Dheeran’s childhood to the present. Sadly, this effort falls flat. The lack of character depth means these flashbacks don’t resonate, leaving viewers indifferent to the characters’ plights.
Frequent, disjointed jumps between past and present incidents further contribute to the film’s tediousness. We’re shown moments that are mildly interesting but involve characters we simply don’t care about.
Where Did the Laughter Go?
A film like *Dheeran*, which thrives on chaotic chain reactions, needs either strong comedy or thrilling moments to keep audiences hooked. Unfortunately, this movie delivers neither. The humor feels outdated, and the comedic dialogues rarely land, making scenes feel bland.
Characters like Dixon, a ‘ganamela’ singer, and Joppan, a part-time thief, are given repetitive, one-note jokes that quickly wear thin. Even attempts at organic humor feel forced, turning potentially funny lines into bizarre exchanges.
Amateurish Direction and Action
The film highlights Devadath Shaji’s inexperience as a director. He seems to squander every opportunity to make the movie engaging, almost as if demonstrating “how not to make a movie.” The action sequences are notably sloppy and amateurish, a stark contrast to typical contemporary cinema.
Even a potentially cool Quentin Tarantino-esque moment towards the end, featuring a dramatic reentry by the character Abu, falls flat due to poor execution. It perfectly encapsulates the film’s overall missed potential.
A Troubling Performance Ensemble
The acting in *Dheeran* often feels like a competition for the worst performance. Rajesh Madhavan, in the lead, appears unsure of his role, delivering a largely unconvincing performance. It’s disheartening to see veterans like Jagadish and Ashokan struggle to maintain credibility amidst the chaos.
The only silver lining comes from Aswathy Manoharan and Arun Cherukavil, who manage to bring some conviction to their supporting roles. Mujeeb Majeed’s music and background score also offer a brief respite, preventing the film from being a complete disaster.
- The film suffers from an outdated feel due to poor narrative and technical quality.
- Its plot is disjointed, with abrupt cuts and underdeveloped characters.
- Attempts at humor and emotional connections largely fail to resonate.
- The direction and action sequences are notably amateurish.
- Most performances are underwhelming, with only a few exceptions.
*Dheeran* is a prime example of a film that had potential but was undone by its execution, leaving audiences with little to commend beyond its musical score.
