Plot: “Kondal” tells the story of Manuel, a man from the coastal village of Anchuthengu who finds himself in trouble and decides to take a job on a fishing vessel named St. Anthony’s Boat, departing from Munambam Harbor. The boat sets out with a crew of about 15 men. However, tensions rise when one of the crew members mysteriously dies, leading to a division among the group.
Rating: 3/5
Performance: The cast of “Kondal” delivers strong performances especially Antony Varghese, who convincingly portrays Manuel’s complex character, balancing his inner turmoil and leadership. Raj B. Shetty, although underutilized brings depth to his role with his subtle expressions and restrained acting style. Pramod Velliyanad and the supporting cast do justice to their roles making the boat’s crew feel authentic and diverse.
Technical Aspects: Technically “Kondal” excels in several areas. The cinematography captures the vast and perilous sea beautifully, highlighting both the beauty and dangers of life at sea. The underwater scenes and the final act are visually striking, showcasing commendable VFX work. The music by Sam CS complements the action sequences, although at times it can feel a bit too loud. The direction by Ajith Mampally is ambitious, especially given the challenges of shooting an action film almost entirely on a boat.
Positives:
- The film’s setting on a fishing vessel offers a fresh perspective, diving deep into the lives of the fisherfolk at sea.
- The first half of the movie including the interval block, is engaging, with high-action scenes that keep the audience intrigued.
- Strong performances by the lead actors, especially Antony Varghese.
- Impressive visuals and VFX that effectively capture the dangers and drama of the sea.
What Didn’t Work:
- The second half of the movie feels dragged with a flat screenplay that lacks the excitement and pace of the first half.
- Some of the characters are poorly developed making it hard for the audience to emotionally connect with their struggles.
- The film relies on a predictable revenge drama plot lacking originality in its storytelling.
- The background score though impactful in parts, can be overwhelming and detracts from certain scenes.
Verdict: “Kondal” is a decent watch for those who enjoy action dramas set against an unusual backdrop. While it offers a fresh perspective on life at sea and boasts strong performances and impressive visuals, the predictable storyline and a lengthy second half prevent it from being truly memorable. Overall, it’s an average revenge drama with some entertaining moments but lacks the emotional depth to make a lasting impact.
Kondal movie review in hindi