MOVIE REVIEWS

A symmetry between empathy and satire.

Ividam Swargamanu offers a probing slice of life that is resonant with moments that are startling, funny and honest. It has a clear-cut quality to it that makes the cautionary tale that it tells transform into a poignant piece of film making.
Mathew (Mohanlal) is a modern day farmer, running an organic farm and a dairy. The farm is self-sufficient, as it generates power from a windmill and organic fertiliser from its own dairy. Mathew had grown up seeing his father Jeremiah (Thilakan) toiling in the fields, so he's always wanted to be a successful farmer.
His Utopian existence comes under threat when realtor Aluva Chandy (Lalu Alex) sets his eyes on Mathew's property, as he wants to build a private resort there. But Mathew does not want to part with his piece of paradise. From here on begins a battle of wits between the two of them.
The scriptwriter James Albert makes the plot plausible and realistic. There is an undercurrent of humour as well. Albert makes protagonist relevant in the modern times. There is an air of self-assurance about him and the confidence to fight for what is rightfully his. Mohanlal deserves a standing ovation for the way he has handled this role. He makes us forget his superhero image and becomes farmer Mathew.
Director Rosshan Andrrews gives a free run to the writer and the actors. He flows with the subject without imposing his stamp on it. A lesser director may have gone overboard with this subject of construction and tourism boom but Andrrews restraints himself. If there is anything for us to complain about, it is the duration and pace of the film. But that is just a minor glitch.
The film sees the reunion of Thilakan and Mohanlal after a long time. Even the three female characters played by Lakshmi Rai, Lakshmy Gopalaswamy and Priyanka are well etched.
Some films are slow, as this one is, but the results could be quite rewarding. There are plenty of high notes that the film delivers. Life is full of unexpected turns, and Mathews hangs on despite all the pitfalls, and the optimism that the film holds close to its heart, makes it a joyride. The unfussiness with which the script conveys its messages across is commendable. There is an instance when Mathews asks the Amicus curiae (Sreenivasan) as to why he has agreed to make a speech on a social issue, since there was not a soul around to hear him anyway. The lawyer smiles and retorts that if he wanted the public to take note, he might as well do a cabaret. That a single man has taken note is what matters; and it might be a futile exercise to expect more. There is an incredible shine in Mohanlal's performance as Mathews that easily captures our hearts. The adorable farmer that Albert's script demands him to be is safe in the actor's hands, and the film rolls on with élan. The star disappears, the actor evolves, the character emerges.
Running for about three long hours, the film could have done with some smart trimming that could have made it snappier. The pacing is what drags the film down. There are quite a few loose ends hanging about here and there that could have been easily chopped off. Like the last bit about Mathews going on about the three women in his life and the choice that he has made, clearly sticks out like a sore thumb. There is the fragile climax as well when a bunch of hardcore criminals are made to look like a cluster of balloon bursting buffoons with neither brawn nor brains. In Ividam Swargamanu, Roshan Andrews maintains a fine symmetry between empathy and satire. Rousing some genuine feelings in the minds of the viewers, this is a brilliant way to end the eventful year.