Starring: Tovino Thomas, Lal, Narain, Aparna Balamurali, Kalayirasan, Aju Varghese, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Kunchacko Boban, and others
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Producers: Venu Kunnappilly, CK Padma Kumar, and Anto Joseph
Music Director: Nobin Paul
The recently released Malayalam film, “2018,” featuring Tovino Thomas in the lead role, has taken the box office by storm worldwide. The Telugu version of the movie has just hit the screens. Read on to find out our review and discover how the film fares.
Story:
Anup (Tovino Thomas), a former soldier, leaves the army due to his fear of death. Mathachan (Lal) and his son Winston (Narain) make a living through fishing, while Koshy (Aju Varghese) works as a taxi driver for tourists. Ramesh (Vineeth Sreenivasan), an IT employee in Dubai, faces relationship troubles with his wife in India, and Sethupathi (Kalayirasan) from Tamil Nadu agrees to transport explosives to Kerala as a truck driver. The devastating floods that hit Kerala in 2018 serve as the backdrop for the story, which follows the struggles of these protagonists and the impact of the crisis on the people of Kerala. How did they survive this massive disaster? The movie holds all the answers.
Positive Aspects:
“2018” is one of those rare films that engage viewers and take them on an emotional journey with the characters. The story itself is simple, without major twists and turns, but it excels in its well-crafted characterizations and narrative.
Director Jude Anthany Joseph presents a storyline that touches the heart. While some viewers may find the characters confusing in the first half, the director’s intentions become clear as the second half progresses. The storytelling is engaging, and the portrayal of emotions is heartwarming, making viewers deeply connected to the events on screen.
Tovino Thomas deserves praise for accepting a role that is not the protagonist, yet he shines throughout the movie. His character arc is well-designed, as he transforms from a man fearing death to a brave individual who fights against all odds to save others. Lal, portraying Mathachan, delivers an outstanding performance as a fisherman who takes significant steps to help thousands of people survive the devastating floods. Narain and Kalayirasan also leave a lasting impression with their strong performances, while the rest of the cast performs admirably in their respective roles.
Aside from the story, the film’s remarkable cinematography and extraordinary background score create a tense atmosphere, particularly in the second half. These technical aspects contribute significantly to the film and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Minus Points:
One of the shortcomings of ‘2018’ is its limited depiction of the role played by the government and the media during the challenging times of the 2018 Kerala floods. While the director’s primary intention is to promote humanity, it would have been beneficial to also highlight the efforts of the media and government in addressing the crisis.
Aparna Balamurali, a well-known face in the film, has disappointingly little screen presence. The director should have included more scenes involving her character to fully utilize her talent.
The first half of the movie may confuse viewers as the director focuses more on the characters and their personal issues rather than emphasizing the main plot. Some characters, like Tanvi Ram and Gauthami Nair, have no significant impact on the overall storyline, which may leave viewers feeling unsatisfied. Although the film has these flaws, they are overshadowed by the overwhelming emotions that captivate viewers and keep them engaged throughout.
The director missed an opportunity to enhance the story’s suspense by including more scenes related to the damage caused to the dam.
Technical Aspects:
Jude Anthany Joseph deserves commendation for creating a realistic narrative that effectively portrays the fears and ultimate resilience of different individuals during a natural calamity. His screenplay is particularly well-executed in the second half, where he authentically captures the range of emotions experienced by the characters.
The film showcases technical brilliance, thanks to the exceptional contributions of composer Nobin Paul, cinematographer Akhil George, and the entire production design team.
The editing by Chaman Chakko is satisfactory, although removing a few scenes in the first half could have enhanced the overall viewing experience of ‘2018’. The production values are commendable, and the visual effects work creates a thrilling atmosphere. The Telugu dubbing is also of decent quality.
Verdict:
In conclusion, ‘2018’ is a well-crafted film that evokes genuine emotions and provides thrilling moments for viewers. The stellar performances by Tovino Thomas, Lal, and Narain, along with the brilliant score and cinematography, are the film’s major strengths. Despite a few shortcomings, the film’s powerful moments overshadow any flaws, ensuring a captivating viewing experience. Without a doubt, ‘2018’ is worth watching this weekend.