Shikkar
By Cine Critic | Sept10th, 2010| 23:10:15

At last, here is something to cheer about for Mohanlal fans. Mohanlal has made a fantastic comeback of sorts with director M Padmakumar's Shikkar. It showcases the actor in a brilliant way, as a lorry driver with a nagging past. This film is far from being perfect especially in its first half, but it has been packaged quite well. With some superb performances, brilliant visuals, reasonably engaging script and nice music, it takes you to an altogether different world and that too in a convincing manner.

Balaramanan (Mohanlal), a courageous lorry driver, works as a bamboo transporter. He is a single parent whose teenage daughter, Ganga (Ananya), is attempting to crack the MBBS entrance exam. Ganga is the centre of Balaraman's life and he is very protective about her, to the extent of paranoia.The story flows smoothly, with Balaraman projected as the typical hero -- taking up cudgels against the bad guys and protecting his flock. This is interspersed with violent shots from the past that is supposed to send shivers down the viewers' spine.

Added to this mix are characters and situations that depict the lifestyle of the rich, a slightly stretched comic track courtesy Jagathy Sreekumar and Suraj Venjaramoodu and even a gypsy song by director-actor Lal. Things however, come to a boil, only after the interval.Suresh Babu's script seems to be heavily inspired by two recent, much-discussed films; Madhupal's Thalapavu and Blessy's Bhramaram. The subject of Naxalism seems borrowed from the former while the edgy-eerie feel has been taken from the latter.

Shikkar belongs to Mohanlal, who underlines his legendary stature as an actor with a stunning performance. In a flawless display of his abundant talents, the actor has put his heart and soul into this character. His dialogue delivery, which has always been one of his main strengths, adds to the effect. For his fans, this could be the one movie you were all waiting for! Ananya as Ganga may have an important role on paper, but it is not justified on the screen; it loses its sheen under the shadow of the superstar. Youngster Kailash, as Ganga's beau, Manu, scores a few points despite having a small role.The rest of the supporting cast, including Lalu Alex as Balaraman's neighbour and the owner of roadside eatery, put in a standard performance.

Overall, with a slick presentation, Shikkar turns out to be a genuinely engrossing movie. Things could have been better for sure, but even in the current form, the film succeeds in keeping the viewer glued to the screen quite remarkably.

Verdict: Watchable!

Reviewed By KN