1.NARRATIVE
The narrative of the movie finds the perfect balancing spot to sit in between simplicity and difference. Even though, using segmented 'Tarantino' modules to say the story is nothing new and could've done preferably without the titles (at least not the fancy full screen ones); it makes the viewer comfortable and prepared. If you remember the Padmarajan flick 'Season' (Underrated but one of all time favorites) adheres to a much similar premise and narrative. Its dark, it has got dry humor in it and a light-hearted voice over- just like in 'Second Show'. It also said the story of a second chance (but only for a payback); and it had a shallow focus locked only to its core subject. Padmarajan totally did ignore the clichéd notions of the time and showed us realistic heroism and most importantly with no love interest for the protagonist. 'Season' was a one-of-a-kind genre-movie, which hasn't even had a competitor so far in narrative, packaging or the dark humor. I would proudly say that, I've seen a runner up now in 'Second Show'. If I now categorize Malayalam movies on genres & quality, (which won't be much as we can put almost every Malayalam movie in a made up genre called 'mix n match'), 'Second Show' and 'Season' will share the same column.
2.SCREENPLAY
The sequential order in which the writer has packed these events for 'Second Show' surely deserves an appreciation. He made a conscious attempt and put a lot of work in making the package as gripping and interesting as possible for the viewer. The style I would say reminds me of those usually done by modern day console games. Unlike in movies, they have a separate style of packaging, which is put together based on EVENTS rather than the STORY. Take for instance "Uncharted 2". The game progresses in levels or steps that we can pen down as the following segments. Character Introduction, Plot introduction, Odds and Challenges, Conflict, The Major Screw-up, Revival, Objective, Climax and Outro. The game here pushes us forward from events to events. From simple ones to complex ones, we are constantly moving forward and our focus is just on the current event that’s happening. We have no idea what’s going to happen next. That is what makes a game addictive, interesting and ultimately cash-counter success. 'Second Show' is extremely event-driven; we don't give a damn about the story and that’s what makes us a part of the movie - just as worried, confused and thrilled as 'Lalu & Nelson'. Vini Viswalal and Srinath Rajendran successfully implement this brilliant story telling device, most of our filmmakers aren’t still aware of.
3.PERFORMANCES
'Second Show' also shows us glimpses of genius in performance control. The director lets the actors do what they think the character should do, but takes only what he wants in the movie. The performances are made flawless using multiple supporting tools. The hand held camera, fast paced editing and mood lighting helps to even out beginner mistakes and creates for the viewer, an illusion of real people in real environment tackling a real crisis. I was also impressed by the suggested improvisations that we could see on the leads. One particular instance is when Lalu talks to Geethu (played on screen by Gauthami Nair). He says about the single good deed of her father. Geethu, angry at first, thinks for a moment, and immediately smiles on that thought. I would say, that sort of an emotion shift in a single shot, though very simple and subtle, is something new to Malayalam films. Dulquer Salman has tremendous screen presence and he delivers an impressive performance as Lalu aka Hari. Hope he sticks to a potentially comfortable range of characters at this stage for a long lasting and better future. Sunny Wayne who plays Nelson Mandela does an amazing job with his method acting. The chemistry between him and the director is very evident through out the movie. His one-liners, mannerisms and voice modulation are qualities we would never expect from a debut. Though I would only judge him as an actor after his third film. (I presume his second character will probably be another version of Nelson Mandela aka Kurudi, that’s why I said the third).
4.TECHNOLOGY
Effective use of movie making techniques can be seen throughout the movie. There might be rookie mistakes but it would totally be unfair to give a negative comment on that. Every single use of a technique seems appropriate thus satisfying the most important rule. Body Mounts, Multi-Shot Blends, Match-moving and the famous 'Reverse Tracking Forward Zooming' shot are subtly used and Sudeesh Pappu with Srinath Rajendran made a conscious attempt to make those effects invisible as possible. Another worthy mention is the use of ambience to tell a particular event. For e.g.: Rain is used as a character in the intro. Moonlight and Night also do their part to make a scene as convincing and relatable as possible.
5.SOUNDTRACK
The Soundtrack by Avial, especially ‘Aarambathu’ is magical. The use of nostalgic retro elements and mixing it with a techno trance programming is not an easy job. But Avial does that with perfection and that song, have to say, is at a few steps above the movie. ’Ayyo’ delivers the essence of ‘Second Show’ in 3 minutes. It’s the perfect original track of this movie. Srinath succeeds in using these tracks effectively inside the movie. Though the other tracks by Nikhil aren’t anywhere on this league; again it’s a gateway to mass appeal and compromises a newcomer cant get away with often. But hearing ‘Ee Ramayana Koottil’ during an inspiring revival of the leads is an awkward acoustic experience. Background score by Rex Vijayan is literally the backbone of the whole narrative and he does an amazing job.
6.THE BADS
Though I would say, could've avoided a couple of things on the whole. I understand the reasons for using most of them, but still I would be glad if those weren't there or executed in a better way. The initial sequences (10-20mins) of the movie are lacking a direction. It’s very loose, dialogues seem immature and occasionally the shaky camera doesn’t sync up with what’s actually on screen and thus a little irritating. Also the plot device of Lalu saying the whole story to a stranger doesn’t go well with the character's established personality. Maybe a hidden explanation should be the attitude change he acquired from 5 years of imprisonment, but as that idea being a hidden one, it doesn’t do any good. The BGM used in the ‘Mom Cliché’, though done consciously to sell the satire, reminds the Sharman Joshi house scene from 3 Idiots. Also the jail scene where Lalu sees his Mom and her 'flashback' love for him could've been better (I mean, better dialogues, a better scenario, maybe something with more connection to the movie). Jump Cuts are so over used these days; I wish those weren't there in this movie. I see why you guys went for raw lighting but the quality suffers big time. Grains/Noise is another issue you might want to seriously consider getting rid off. I've heard from many, about grains being an annoying factor for 'Second Show' in multiplexes. Filters! Another major disappointment. The ones that were used for the flash back/ climax reveal sequences (though different from each other) were a huge letdown. As a matter of fact, a filter-less clean footage would’ve been better suiting and easy on the eye.
VERDICT
Being said all these; I consider the movie a Must Watch. It’s an honest attempt to create a good movie with no or minimal compromises. I am sure that we can expect a lot more from these guys. Personally I have a list of present day directors, whose movies I want to see and I do my best to promote them. I want to see an industry dominated by these guys with their best work. Ranjith, Aashiq Abu, Samir Thahir and Lijo Jose are on that list and Srinath Rajendran officially enters it as of today.
by
Mahesh Ravi
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