Chakkaramuthu

Cast: Dileep, Kavya, Sai Kumar, Harisree Asokan, Jishnu, Cochin Haneefa, Navas, Bindu Panicker
Language: Malayalam
Banner: Seven Arts Films International
Director: Lohithadas
Producer: Vijayakumar
Camera: Rajaratnam
Story: Lohithadas
Screenplay: Lohithadas
Dialogue: Lohithadas
Lyrics: Vayalar Sarathchandra Varma
Music: M.Jayachandran
Distribution: Seven Arts Release
Year: 2006

Chakkaramuthu, the eleventh directorial venture of writer-turned-director Lohithadas, has proved to be a big let down in almost all respects.

Lohithadas, who had earlier directed films like Bhoothakannadi, Karunyam, Kanmadam, Arayannangalude Veedu, Joker, Kasthooriman etc, seems to have made the film in a rather carefree manner, paying little attention to important aspects like scripting, characterization etc. He has attempted to bank on Dileep's acting potential, especially his skills as an excellent mimicry artist. Of course he has been able to tap the actor's potentials in a commendable way, but that alone doesn't make for a good film. The director's attempt has thus to a very great extent misfired and hence watching Chakkaramuththu is not at all a pleasant experience.

The film tells the story of Aravindan, an expert tailor of ladies' garments, who is slightly challenged mentally, and is called by all and sundry as 'Pottan' (meaning a dunce). Aravindan is happy in his small world. He is romantically inclined towards Anitha, his childhood friend, whom he lovingly calls Unnimol.

Though Anitha likes him and is very free and friendly with him, her love for him is of a different kind. She has a world of her own which includes friends, college-mates, her uncles and of course her lover Jeevan, who makes his entry later. But Aravindan is an inevitable part of the lives of Anitha and her mother who live alone, and is like a member of their family.

Meanwhile Bombay Kumaran (in whose tailoring shop Aravindan works) and Santhosh (who runs a barber shop) frequently tease him and pass comments mocking his fondness for Anitha, and instigate him to do ridiculous things and make a fool of himself in front of others. As part of this they even persuade him to try to kiss Anitha and thus ensure that she too reciprocates his love. And when the innocent Aravindan attempts to do this, Anitha is shocked and bursts out at him. Aravindan is ashamed of himself and doesn't know what to do. It is at this juncture that Jeevan George, who is Anitha's lover, turns up. What happens from then forms the plot of Chakkaramuththu.

Dileep has tried his best to portray the character of Aravindan and he has come out really well, but the character lacks depth and life and doesn't impress us beyond the superficial level. Though the actor has done an excellent job, it was for the director and the writer(in this case both the same person) who had to see to this aspect.

Kavya Madhavan too has done a commendable job. Debutante Lakshmi as the heroine's mother too is impressive. Saikumar is perfect as the heroine's uncle Vijayaraghavan, a police officer. Cochin Haneefa as Bombay Kumaran is his usual self. Jishnu as Jeevan George is passable. Sarath as Dr. Rajeev Menon, who comes seeking Anitha's hand in marriage, has done his role perfectly well.

In spite of fairly good performances by the artists, the film doesn't impress you since it seems to be a mixture or a rehashed version of what you have seen in many films before. The climax, though touching, doesn't impress you at all. There is little to be said about the technical aspects or about the songs, which lack any kind of appeal. When you leave the theatre you don't carry even an iota of the film with you, and that is what makes it a let down coming from a craftsman of Lohithadasan's talent.

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