158. Thundu; movie review

 

THUNDU

Cert 12A

125 mins

BBFC advice: Contains implied strong language, sexual harassment references

Does Thundu deserve the panning it has had from movie critics?

I was torn. On the one hand, I empathised with Biju Menon's hard-pressed police officer, but on the other hand, I thought the film's jokes quickly wore thin.

Indeed, despite Menon's gently alluring performance, I didn't laugh once.

Thundu's plot revolves around a long-standing, unambitious police constable whose world is turned upside down when his son is caught cheating in an exam and threatened with expulsion.

It is the latest setback for the cop, who recently suffered the ignominy of a rival (Shine Tom Chacko) being promoted above him.

Thus, a colleague persuades him to take the head constable exam even though he is hopelessly badly prepared.

The consequences of this decision lay the foundation for Riyas Shereef's gentle farce in which Menon's character,  who has the bizarre surname Baby, cannot do anything right.

However, this is not a slapstick or shouty comedy. Sure, there are some visual jokes, but Baby quietly resigns himself to the chaos around him.

And, despite his questionable moral compass, I liked the hang-dog constable.

However, the problem lies in the film's premise being stretched and the consequent repetition of its jokes.

It feels like a good idea that isn't seen through to the best effect.

Reasons to watch: Easygoing comedy

Reasons to avoid: No belly laughs

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? Biju Menon pursued degree in commerce from St. Thomas College, Thrissur. and is also Master of Social Work.

The final word. Biju Menon: "There’s a double meaning to the Malayalam word ‘Thundu’, but we are referring to the one where it means small cheat-sheets where kids copy answers from them to clear an exam. ‘Thundu’ is an established and effective tool to cheat and our film is also about it." Gulf News

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