Oru Marubhoomi Kadha Review

Finally, after a gap of seven years, Veteran Director Priyadarshan and superstar Mohanlal are back together in "Arabiyum Ottakavum P.Madhavan Nairum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha", a light-hearted film meant to evoke non-stop laughter, mixing slapstick comedy with amusing wisecracks from Mohanlal and Mukesh. To a large extend, the director has succeeded in his attempt though the story thread is very thin. Along with Mohanlal and Mukesh, others in the cast are Lakshmi Rai, Bhavana, Suraj Venjarumoodu, Innocent, Shakti Kapoor, Mammukoya and Lakshmi Gopalaswami.
P.Madhavan Nair (Mohanlal) is an accountant in a Gulf based firm owned by a Sheik (Shakthi Kapoor). After years of toiling in the desert, he is comfortably settled. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Meenakshi (Lakshmi Rai) enters his life and after some bizarre incidents, the two get married. But there are more weird developments and Madhavan Nair finds himself with an old crony Abdu Kupleri (Mukesh), who had dropped in to his office for some help. Soon the two get involved with another girl Ileana (Bhavana) whom they found kidnapped and kept in a car parked near the desert. What follows is a roller coaster ride by the three, full of fun and laughter.
The movie has tried it’s best to be an out and out comedy and it has managed to rake up laughter on quite a few occasions. The slapstick comedy is sometimes monotonous with characters slapping each other mechanically. Spliced here and there, there are a few smatterings of melodrama to satisfy the pensive viewer. Sadly, those who have seen Priyadarshan’s previous movies will be overcome with a feeling of déjà vu, many of the scenes resembling those from his older films. But among the new generation, the comedy and the comical and absurd verbal exchanges between Mohanlal and Mukash will have quite a few takers. Priyadarshan is at his best when handling comedy and he has shown his dexterity in this film too, particularly in the first half. Bhavana’s entry in particular will evoke riotous laughter.
The silver lining in the movie is the acting of Mohanlal and Mukesh. Mohanlal drawing from his acting repertoire, has given an amazing and graceful performance bringing back memories of some of his previous flicks with Priyan. Mukesh compliments Lal with another sterling performance. The two with their verbal wisecracks and quick repartees provide plenty of entertainment. Bhavana and Lakshmi Rai have limited roles which they have managed without being remarkable. Suraj Venjaramoodu has the usual jokes while Nedumudi Venu, Shakti Kapoor and Innocent have not been very noteworthy. Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, however, has impressed in her brief appearance.
Priyadarshan wrote the script which is hilarious but without substance. Azhagappan’s camera and M.J.Sreekumar’s music are impressive. Editing by Suresh T.S. is generally sound.
A light hearted entertainer, ‘Oru Marubhumi Kadha” should be seen as such. The movie is often inane, almost empty of any story, no message, but to spend time away from the everyday worries and anxieties, there may not be a better choice. The plots are absurd, the story is wafer thin, but if you approach it with a carefree heart, you will enjoy the movie.

Ban on Malayalam films in Tamil Nadu

The Mullaiperiyar conflict is burgeoning into a bigger issue than before and on the entertainment front too, there seems to be some trouble. There are some rumors floating around the entertainment industry in both these states that Tamil Nadu might issue a ban on Malayalam films releasing in the state.

Though nothing official regarding this has been issued yet, there are talks that Malayalam films might not see a release in TN if a solution for the Mullaiperiyar issue is not met with.

There are a handful of Malayalam films ready for release. One is a Mohanlal film under the direction of Priyadarshan. This film is titled 'Arabiyum Ottakam P Madhavan Nairum In Oru Marubhoomikatha.' Then there is also a Mammootty movie titled Venicile Vyapari', which will also see a release soon. Mohanlal and Mammootty films see a good run in Tamil Nadu because of a good crowd from Kerala that has made Tamil Nadu as its home.

Also Superstar, Kamal, Vijay, Ajith and Suriya films have a good fan following in Kerala. Film folks have remained silent in both states regarding the Mullaiperiyar issue. Now with the rumors floating about a ban on Malayalam films in TN it remains to be seen how Kerala will react to this situation if it is true.