Thanneer Mathan Dinangal (Review)

The first image that comes to mind when I hear the word ‘thanneer mathan’ (watermelon) is that of freshness. Thanneer Mathan Dinangal is the kind of film that literally translates that image into an engaging cinematic experience. However, freshness isn’t always associated with success, especially in the realm of cinema, where people often stick to established routes. It is in this context that this wonderful film becomes even more relevant.

Telling the story of Thanneer Mathan Dinangal becomes challenging because the entire film revolves around a situation, and the journey is from moment to moment. What makes it interesting is that with each of these moments on screen, we are fully engrossed, focusing only on that moment. Unlike other films, we don’t try to predict or anticipate upcoming scenes because these characters and moments are so natural and free-flowing. We forget that it’s a movie; we are immersed in the situations as much as the characters themselves. We know them like old friends, and it reaches a point where we find entertainment even in their silly conversations, just like in the past.

Vineeth Sreenivasan

The lead characters played by Mathew and Anaswara Rajan deliver remarkably mature performances, despite being in their teenage years. The unconventional casting of Vineeth Sreenivasan adds unpredictability and tension to the film. Director Girish A D demonstrates a natural flair for extracting convincing performances from his team of actors, a quality evident in his early attempts at short filmmaking. Everyone in front of the camera possesses a distinct identity and appears very comfortable with it, especially the boys who play Mathew’s classmates. It feels as if they are portraying themselves on screen. Full credit goes to the director for seamlessly blending characters with actors, a challenging feat indeed.

Secret Nostalgia

Another crucial element is the freshness in Justin Varghese’s music. The lyrics and singing align with the film’s overall theme. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a movie with songs placed perfectly, used to advance the plot seamlessly. The songs serve the plot, preventing any boredom during these sequences.

Movies like Thanneer Mathan Dinangal often face challenges in their climactic moments. However, the filmmaker excels by delivering a mature ending that complements the film, avoiding the clichéd fantasy-style conclusions we’ve seen numerous times. The director maintains the freshness factor even in the concluding portions of the film.

Thanneer Mathan Dinangal feels like our own private nostalgia made public. It captures a space we love revisiting, explaining why the film is a repeat watch for many.