SHIKAAR -- An engrossing thriller !!!!

A very good story, superb performances, well fleshed out characters, play of emotions and technical brilliance. Padmakumar bounces back with flare in his new film ‘Shikaar’ which is indeed a worthy watch for all the lovers of contentful cinema. Although he had been able to create some mentionable and good movies in the past like 'Ammakilikoodu', 'Vargam' and 'Vasthavam'. All these movies were critically acclaimed but sadly ended up as flops at the Box Office. After several unsuccessful attempts to hit the bulls eye, director Padmakumar had to team up with none other than Mohanlal to create a commercial hit and I must say they have succeeded.

The story unfolds in a forest called Chittazha, a place that comes alive only when it is the time for the bamboo to be harvested. During the season, a dozen of shops are set up in the forest to serve the hundreds of workers and drivers who come up to harvest bamboo and transport them into far off places. Mohanlal is Balaraman in the movie, a lorry driver who frequents this place during the season. Although he appears cool in demeanor, certain incidents from his past continue to haunt him. The story carries you along and keeps you hanging on every moment. What starts as a passable entertainer turns into a gripping suspense-thriller during second half. Hats off to entire team as they deserve praises for their earnest efforts and brilliance. Padmakumar has successfully managed to build in the necessary tension and suspense around the lead character, which pushes the movie till the climax.

Mohanlal is used to such a good effect that one can really feel his fear and fire, experiences his struggle. This role was just a cake walk for him but he delivered it with magnificent ease. The director also seems to have decided to keep the central character more manly, without a huge deal of heroic built ups until the last reels. The only hiccups in the entire proceeding seems to be the comedy scenes which featured Suraj Venjaramudu which fails to deliver. Ananya delivered a candid natural performance without pushing for histrionics, and works the understated character perfectly. Samudrakani as Telungana leader Abdulla was nothing but brilliant. Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Thalaivasal Vijay, Lalu Alex and Kalabhavan Mani also does their roles with elaan.

Surprisingly, the script writer Suresh Babu does a very good job as his script is both engaging and entertaining. A very good round of applause to the director because the movie follows a crystal-clear narration. The other highlights of the movie are the awesome and neatly framed cinematography by Manoj Pillai capturing the greenery and the ethereal beauty of Pooyamkutti forest. Musician Jayachandran has came up with a couple of good tracks including the track, “Enthedi Enthedi” which is also at the top of hit chart.

A little more crispness in script and care in execution could have made it to the list of the bests, seen in recent times in Mollywood. But now with its strong theme, nice premise and good performances from the lead pairs, the movie ends up as a laudable effort and can be definitely prescribed for a complete entertainment. Highly recommended.

My Verdict: 3.8/5