76. Spadikam; movie review

 

SPADIKAM

Cert 12A

158 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, domestic abuse, sexual violence, language, nudity

"You should watch films like Spadikam and then you will realise how great an actor Mohanlal is."

I paraphrase one of the social media observations following my comments about the great Malayalam cinema hero.

Lalletan, as he is known by his army of fans, is 62 and, to me, is often out of place in roles which would usually be the province of much younger men.

However, in Bhadran's Spadikam, re-released after 28 years, he literally looks the part.

Mohanlal's character, Thomas, is widely loved or feared as a gangster quarry owner who is the scourge of the police.

But after some typical Indian movie fight scenes, the film moves on to explore whether he is really all he seems.

It is an emotiional exploration rarely seen in current movies, drilling down into the relationship with his family, school peers, and the police.

At the heart of his anger is his father, a retired head teacher, who is played with great gusto by Thilakan.

He wanted his son to follow him into the world of mathematics but his hardline parenting has had the reverse effect of his intention.

Caught in the crossfire are Thomas's mother (K. P. A. C. Lalitha) and his soon-to-be-married sister (Chippy).

Meanwhile, Urvashi plays the love interest - a former childhood classmate who is desperate to melt Thomas's hard exterior.

I can see why Spadikam is revered in Malayalam cinema - it is vibrant from the first minute and there is an intoxicating mix of action, pathos and romance.

And I was pleased to see Mohanlal and a much younger man. It's only a pity he is still trying to play this style of role nowadays rather than take parts which suit his age.

Reasons to watch: Mohanlal in his younger days

Reasons to avoid: Jumps around a lot

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None that I could see despite the rating

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Actor George Antony was such a hit in his role that he became credited in future roles as Spadikam George 

The final word. Bhadran: "There is no difference between the Mohanlal of yesteryears and Mohanlal now. there is no meaning in saying that Mohanlal has lost his talent." Film Companion

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