Lijo Jose Pellissery continues to laugh at the face of conventions and pre set notions in Malayalam cinema, delivering a thought-provoking, surreal psychological drama in Churuli.
Backed by stunning cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan and spine-tingling sound design by Renganaath Raave, LJP continues to set the standard in production value for Malayalam cinema, capturing all the essence of the scenic mountaintop locales while never compromising on the chills and twists.
Based on a story thread from the novelette 'Kaligaminarile Kuttavalikal' by Vinoy Thomas, LJP has taken some fine creative liberties to build the narrative, creating the same rustic vibe of Jallikattu (2019) but enhancing the psychological elements.
Vinay Forrt and Chemban Vinod Jose star as a pair of undercover police officers who pose as labourers to smoke out an escaped prisoner from a remote, high range village named 'Churuli' (Helix or Spiral in Malayalam)
Fan theories abounded when LJP announced the movie title itself, with everything from time loops to wormholes being thrown around and the same curiosity is channeled by the masterful director, keeping us guessing till the climax sequence.
Vinay Forrt is truly emerging as a force to be reckoned with in Malayalam cinema. His nuanced, subdued performance as an undercover cop in Churuli nicely complements his more loud, eye-catching comic performance in 'Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham' and displays the range that he can give us, as a performer. Chemban is in typical fine form, conveying the idiosyncrasies and emotions of the character well.
Jaffer Idukki is riveting as the village toddy shop proprietor and de facto headman while Joju George astounds in a short appearance. Watch out for a very special guest appearance towards the climax in a role that literally and figuratively upends the entire narrative.
To people who are making fun of the film on social media for the use of profanity, I beg you to consider- How else do you think the people of a remote village, a haven to highwaymen, conmen and fugitives from the law would speak like?
Do not be swayed by the pointless slander and the taste-less naysayers who would prefer storylines spoonfed to them via loud narratives and ear-bursting BGMs.
Churuli is a masterclass in intelligent, layered filmmaking, elevated by brilliant performances and of course, the signature aesthetic of the master auteur himself, LJP. Highly recommended!
Backed by stunning cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan and spine-tingling sound design by Renganaath Raave, LJP continues to set the standard in production value for Malayalam cinema, capturing all the essence of the scenic mountaintop locales while never compromising on the chills and twists.
Based on a story thread from the novelette 'Kaligaminarile Kuttavalikal' by Vinoy Thomas, LJP has taken some fine creative liberties to build the narrative, creating the same rustic vibe of Jallikattu (2019) but enhancing the psychological elements.
Vinay Forrt and Chemban Vinod Jose star as a pair of undercover police officers who pose as labourers to smoke out an escaped prisoner from a remote, high range village named 'Churuli' (Helix or Spiral in Malayalam)
Fan theories abounded when LJP announced the movie title itself, with everything from time loops to wormholes being thrown around and the same curiosity is channeled by the masterful director, keeping us guessing till the climax sequence.
Vinay Forrt is truly emerging as a force to be reckoned with in Malayalam cinema. His nuanced, subdued performance as an undercover cop in Churuli nicely complements his more loud, eye-catching comic performance in 'Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham' and displays the range that he can give us, as a performer. Chemban is in typical fine form, conveying the idiosyncrasies and emotions of the character well.
Jaffer Idukki is riveting as the village toddy shop proprietor and de facto headman while Joju George astounds in a short appearance. Watch out for a very special guest appearance towards the climax in a role that literally and figuratively upends the entire narrative.
To people who are making fun of the film on social media for the use of profanity, I beg you to consider- How else do you think the people of a remote village, a haven to highwaymen, conmen and fugitives from the law would speak like?
Do not be swayed by the pointless slander and the taste-less naysayers who would prefer storylines spoonfed to them via loud narratives and ear-bursting BGMs.
Churuli is a masterclass in intelligent, layered filmmaking, elevated by brilliant performances and of course, the signature aesthetic of the master auteur himself, LJP. Highly recommended!