BOTTOM LINE
Unique Slow-Burn, Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea
RATING
3/5
Director: Chidambaram
Cast: Chandu Salimkumar, Girish, Farzana Palathingal, Ganapathi, Sandra Chandran, Beena Antony
Music Director: Sushin Shyam
DOP: Shyju Khalid Isc
Editor: Vivek Harshan
Producer: Venkat K Narayana, Shailaja Desai Fenn
Presented By: KVN Productions & Thespian Films
Production Company: KVN Productions & Thespian Films
U.S. Distributor: Prime Media Pictures
What Is the Film About?
A boy and his mother travel through different places with different identities. They share a deep bond and have developed a mechanism for coping with the things around them that only they can understand.
What happens when the boy is separated from the mother? What are the circumstances that led to the separation? And finally, what happens to the boy is the crux of the story.
Performances
Farzana Palathingal and Adhiseshan playing the mother and son are excellent. Their uniqueness is not just in the content but also in how the duo enact the material and share a rapport. Farzana especially is excellent conveying the various emotions with just her face, and eyes. She is a revelation here.
Farzana Palathingal and Adhiseshan both are scene stealers. They both get enough moments to shine. It also helps that most of the narrative is about them.
Muhammad Zinaan playing the younger version is also good. He doesn’t talk much, but makes sure to grab attention. His scenes with Tovino and Pavitran are good and get the right emotions.
Analysis
Chidambaram writes and directs the movie. It is a unique premise, far removed from the routine content one sees on a regular basis. It’s done through a relatable mother-son bond.
The opening scene strikes and impresses instantly. It’s the simplicity with which he pulls off the backstory and establishes the mother-son bond, and the way he makes it a crucial element in the narrative forward is excellent.
But that is just the beginning, and a lot is coming that is sure to hold one’s attention if the opening block gets registered. It’s a slow-paced tale, and the beginning sets the tone for the intrigue and surprise in store ahead.
Prison is a key thematic element in the movie. At every turn, the director tries to convey it in the outer world, which might not register initially. It’s these subtle subtexts that add depth to the proceedings and connect the scenes that might otherwise appear random for a brief stretch.
The real drama begins when the mother and son arrive at an abandoned, mansion-like house in a forest area, where they serve as caretakers for an older woman. These parts are excellent, and the slow pace adds to the fun and drama.
The intrigue factor is heightened throughout and culminates in a proper cliffhanger at the interval, making one look forward to the second half.
When one thinks about what else could be done, the director surprises with the narrative as new characters and points of view are introduced.
Again, the choice here might leave one divided in opinion, but if one is on the right side, the rest of the narrative builds to a satisfying end. However, if one disconnects at this point, many sections might feel like a drag, especially in the second half.
The prison theme continues as the boy, who is a little grown-up now, encounters a person from his past, who is lost in a prison of his own, and it’s courtesy of the boy.
The stakes and conflict are suitably raised, and we move forward with little clue about what lies ahead. It’s this sustained intrigue that is Balan’s biggest asset.
The Abbas track feels a little stretched and tests patience at times, but the way it ends again leaves the right emotional impact, story-wise. It all builds up to that one moment followed by the climax. They are the one-two punches at the end that elevate the story as it comes to a close.
Overall, Balan The Boy offers a unique, fresh premise and an intriguing narrative. A few parts drag, and there might be some creative choices that divide opinion, but irrespective of that, the end feeling is that of a mighty satisfactory watch.
Performances by Other Actors
All the key characters do an excellent job and easily stand out in their performances. Be it the ‘Bamma’, the police, Abbas (Tovino Thomas in a surprise extended cameo), or even the aged guy at the start, they all register despite the length. The ensemble is well put together with everyone doing their parts fitting the tone and given content.
Music and Other Departments?
There are a couple of singles, used as montage songs. They, along with the background score, give a classy and international appeal. The cinematography is excellent, and so is the sharp editing, which keeps things crisp despite the slow pace. The setting loses its impact in the Telugu dubbing, though.
Highlights?
Story
Casting
Performances
Direction
Drawbacks?
Drags in Parts
Length
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, simply because it gives a fresh feeling while watching.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, if you know this isn’t a regular film and are okay with a very slow-paced watch, and want to experience something unique, then despite its issues, this is the movie for you.
Balan The Boy Movie Reviewed by Kalyan, M9 News
