Pattaapakal (Review): A Light Hearted Comedy

Pattaapakal, directed by Saajir Sadaf and written by PS Arjun, is a comedy film that brings together four interrelated stories, each led by different characters. The movie is a journey through the lives of these characters, all connected by a series of humorous incidents.

The central plot revolves around a gangster Carlos, played by Kichu Tellus, who steals something valuable from the house of a minister, portrayed by Johny Antony. This theft threatens to shake the minister’s entire career, prompting him to enlist the help of CI Baby (Vineeth Thattil) to retrieve the stolen item. This story is interwoven with other subplots in the same town, each adding a unique flavor to the film.

Intertwined Stories with a Comedic Twist

In another part of town, Tony (Sudhi Koppa) is heartbroken and drunk after learning that his girlfriend is engaged to a workshop owner, Jerry. Tony’s attempts to win back his lover, Priya (Amina Nijam), lead to a series of comedic events. Meanwhile, Suku (Renji Kankol) is trying to steal a bike to impress his girlfriend, leading him to an encounter with Shaiju Chilampil, a social worker played by Ramesh Pisharody. Additionally, Balan (Krishna Shankar) and Prakashan (Franco Francis) are on a quest to find a vintage car after receiving a lucrative offer from Jerry (Prashant Murali).

The intertwining of these stories is reminiscent of Pulp Fiction. Both films start with a robbery and feature multiple interrelated stories with different protagonists. However, unlike Pulp Fiction’s mysterious suitcase, Pattaapakal reveals the stolen item’s nature in its final scenes. The similarity ends here.

A Mixed Bag of Performances

Despite the film’s somewhat promising script, its execution falls short of its potential. Many of the new faces in key comedy roles deliver amateur performances. During the first 45 minutes or so, these actors and the non-linear editing ensure that the comedy does not work at all. The non linear narration fails to evoke any emotions during scenes, which are edited abruptly. The editing could have been much better.

Among the cast, Ramesh Pisharody and Renji Panicker deliver a few comic reliefs. Krishna Shankar, Prashant Murali, Sudhi Koppa and Gokulan did their usual roles.

In summary, Pattaapakal falls flat in many scenes but hits a few scenes well. It is a good choice for viewers seeking a light-hearted comedy. Despite its imperfections, it manages to entertain in parts.