After two back to back hits in 'Second Show' and 'Ustad Hotel', young actor Dulqar Salman is in an experimental mode in his new movie 'Theevram'. Basically a revenge story, the differences in its narrative structure is the sole thing that generates an interest in an otherwise, dark, grim movie telling a simple, routine tale. Dulqar plays Harshavaradhan, an aspiring young music director in the movie. Living in a rented mansion, he is a loner, who occasionally takes piano classes for a few. But he is also weaving a carefully planned web to trap someone who has caused irrecoverable damages to his life.
And to realize his plans, he forcefully abducts an auto driver(Anu Mohan) and bring him in a wretched condition to the cellar of his building, thereafter paining him bit by bit. What is the reason for this sadistic treatment inflicted upon the auto driver forms the rest of the movie.
The screenplay of the movie by the debutante director Roopesh Peeethambaran manages to pull of the movie with suspense, much through the former half. But once the flash back is over, there is nothing much to thrill or impress you for the rest of the thirty minutes. With all said and done in the former half, the movie then ends up as a slow moving, ritualistic affair.
The debutante director can be applauded for the treatment that he has given to the movie. But it's effectiveness become cumbersome and lethargic as its moves on. No punchlines or added shots to satisfy the fans of the emerging star. The shots by Hari Nair are good and heavy grading for the grey tones accomplish a different look to the movie. Kapil Gopalakrishnans's jump cuts also help much, but the final struggle between the protagonists and the villain and its leads are poorly shot and executed.
The movie also belongs to Dulqar who has excelled in another heavy role with a bit of emotions. He is consistent in his act all through the film and impresses with his restrained act in the former. Sreenivasan as the intelligent, investigative officer Alex is another different character from the veteran. He with Vinay Fort as his assistant Ram, provides some lighter moments to otherwise intense mood of the film. Anu Mohan is quite impressive in his debut while Vishnu Raghav's dubbing and voice quality hardly suits that of the mood of the movie. The acting of the rest of the newcomers, particularly the heroine Shikha Nair appears inconsistent to match the quality of the flick.
All in all, this 'Theevram' may get a mixed response as it lacks the intensity in many of its portions as it proclaims to have. But considering that it's another low budget affair with plenty of freshers in front and behind the camera, it may break-even easily. Prescribed only for those, who likes differently made movies and attempts.
Rating: 6/10
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