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By Bharath Vijayakumar
Debutant director Adhil Maimoonath Asharaf’s Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn is the kind of film that is most commonly referred to as a feel-good film. There is a general feel of warmth throughout and even when there are major conflicts, you feel assured that things will fall in place. Another way to see it is that these films are actually telling you, that, sometimes major conflicts aren’t actually complex, and the solution could be as simple as having a heartfelt communication with your dear ones. Sharafudheen plays the protagonist Jimmy in this film that is majorly narrated through his much younger sister, a school going kid. He could have had a daughter her age, if he had got married ‘on time’. In other words, by the age when society thinks it is appropriate to. Well, that is one of the major plot points of Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn.
The film opens with Jimmy’s younger brother’s wedding and the focus is instantly on Jimmy. His relatives are trying to find a match for him even as the wedding celebrations are on. He is introduced to a prospective match, Fida (Anarkali Nazar). Both seem reluctant at first but seem to hit off well. As Jimmy puts it, he sort of feels a vibe for her. Things progress fast towards finalizing their marriage when Jimmy bumps into Nithya (Bhavan), his first love. She is married and has a kid now. Do equations change? What impact does this have on Jimmy and his family? What is Nithya’s state of mind? What does Fida make of all this?
Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn works because the actors are very good. Sharafudheen plays Jimmy with a certain vulnerability. He may come across as an indecisive person on the outside, but it is mostly because he is careful not to hurt anyone. He actually knows what is good for him but often remains tongue-tied. He attributes this to a lack of communication skills. But from what we see, it is also a result of him being hesitant to go after what he wants, as it might not make those around him happy. Bhavana is a charming presence. As someone who is putting up a brave front and is always smiling despite the odds, she is superb as Nithya. Watch out for the scene where she breaks down and walks away from Jimmy. All the trauma hidden behind the smile, finds its way out here. Anarkali Nazar as Fida is not behind either. Fida is such a pleasant character. She gets a raw deal because of circumstances but she is so particular that she does the right thing and never blames those around. It is not that those around her have made a mistake, but she could have easily lost her cool with them and it would have been justified. Such characters can easily come across as plastic or as putting on a mask. But Anarkali Nazar is so good and believable as Fida. Ashokan as Jimmy’s father is another actor who stands out. He plays someone who is rigid and later probably realizes that some of his decisions have impacted Jimmy negatively. He doesn’t apologize or anything, but you can see small but distinct changes in him post this realization.
The equation between Jimmy and his father, the equation between Nithya and her parents and the equation between Jimmy and Fida. These are what make Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn a lot more than just a story about two people getting back together. But as in the case of most feel-good films, the climax comes across as too convenient. It also feels rushed. That someone as vile and unpleasant as Nithya’s husband could keep his nature concealed till that climax scene with Lakshmi Ramakrishnan is a bit far-fetched.
Bottomline:
Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn might come across as too simple and convenient, if you are looking for more. But it is precisely designed like that and narrated through a kid. Maybe it is adults who complicate things. With effective performances from the lead actors, this breezy film could be your comfort watch.
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