'Joji' Review: Dileesh Pothan's Study Of Criminality Deserves a Loud Cheering!

‘Joji’ Review

In the world of films that no longer seems worth watching to the audience, Director Dileesh Pothan brings in ‘Joji’, an absolutely spectacular crime-drama that happens to be adapted from one of the classics, Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’. No wonder why the play was ‘cursed’ and people would prefer to call it with other names & the tradition follows even today. One of the relatable parts is that it is set in the times of pandemic when wearing a mask has become a routine and people follow that with the fear of death roaming around us.

Treating us with the beauty of nature, the film ‘Jogi’, also appears to be inspired by KG George’s movie ‘Irakal’, which was about a similar dysfunctional family with a patriarch lording over it. Joji describes an intense drama that unfolds the dark truth of how self-interest and greed in human relationships leave them with nothing at hand but guilt. As found in many of the families, the patriarch in the film is Kuttapan PK (PN Sunny) who has an authoritative control in the family. The family is basically three brothers, the heavy-set Jomon (Babu Raj) who most resembles his father in physique; Jaison (Joji Mundakayam) who is the obedient one and Joji (Fahadh Faasil), the youngest yet the most dangerous one with a dark mind.

In the world of men, there is Bincy (Unnimaya Prasad), the wife of Jaison, who has nothing to do other than doing all the thankless household chores. The unsaid intentions of the brothers start whispering when the head, Kuttapan suffers a stroke and is so close to death. The family rejoiced with the news and starts planning post-death events. Even if Kuttapan has a chance to live, the family doesn’t bother taking a serious step and just waits for the death call to ring. But is it that easy? NO.

Kuttapan bounces back, a paralysed patriarch on his road to recovery. But is it that easy? NO. Joji starts rewiring his intelligent mind when it seems clear that Kuttapan would survive and be back in his position. The ‘hope’ leaves the family in their greedy despair. Wondering what’s next? That is a hell of an intense ride that would leave you stunned. Reviewing it, the film has put its best foot forward in terms of casting.

Be it taking Fahadh as Joji or deciding Unnimaya to play ‘Bincy’, the makers have done a brilliant job. Each character sits fit to its given role without losing its importance in the screenplay. This intense drama begins & ends with Joji, played by Fahadh, an aimless young boy who struggles posing on a white horse but has the courage to take upon darkest tasks that one would think twice of. His crazy eyes and frenzied gestures, he is alone that our skin prickles.

Baburaj as Jomon plays fantastic as he is the only one among the family who seems to genuinely care about his father. Baburaj delivers a brilliant performance, justifying himself in the talented cast. Joji Mundayakam is perfect for the role of Jaison, with his shuffling body language and hesitant expressions that try to hide his avarice. The screenplay is consistent and moves perfectly while it may seem a bit slow-paced to a particular audience who longs for quicker satisfaction. The saying ‘Patience is the key’ runs perfectly here in this play.

The style is minimalistic, yet without leaving out anything crucial. The review would look incomplete if one would not say praising words for the background score and the detailed presentation of nature. The music of the film flows smoothly with the storyline, which makes you more curious about the next moment of the film. Dileesh Pothan has given one of the fantastic works in the name of ‘Joji’ that is not meant to skip! Dileesh’s collaboration with writer Syam Pushkaran has made this film an incredible one that slowly unravels a criminal mind and paints the dark secrets of a family. Do yourself a favour & watch ‘Joji’.

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