Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam review – you do not often see a movie that leaves you in awe and disbelief. But Mammootty has been doing that constantly with his projects since last year, which is truly remarkable. The experimental phase of Mammootty is something that is going under the radar severely. He is constantly choosing different scripts and showcasing what he can do. Only a few actors do that at this age. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is that kind of movie only. It is such a heart-melting-of-a-kind movie that creates an atmosphere you can’t escape. It was something different from anything I had watched before.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Plot
The movie is officially titled ‘After An Afternoon Dream’ in English. It revolves around James, who is going back to his home after a trip. He stops the bus in a village in Kerala, and after lunch, it becomes a snooze fest.
James enters a house of a Tamil family and starts acting like their lost son Sundaram. He starts speaking fluent Tamilian and acts like their lost son. What happens after forms the basic storyline of the movie.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Screenplay
The screenplay of this movie is very different from Lijo’s other ventures. Rather than the fast, chaotic screenplay, this movie’s screenplay is character driven and is basking in mundane. It is stellar if you ask me.
There is no rush whatsoever. Every scene takes its time. And it makes up for a very amusing watch of what the guy will do next.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Cinematography
The cinematography is based on still shots of the environment. People are walking, and we are shown the whole walk. But it is not irritating or infuriating in any sense. It is just there to give you a sense of how simple it really is.
Another thing to notice is that the sound of famous advertisements throughout replaces the movie’s background music. It is like your life is going around normally. That is what this movie really is, a simple plain old folk tale.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Cast
The cast is exceptional. Everyone has done a wonderful job. But in movies like there, the main lead must lead the movie. And Mammootty has done that beautifully. He is like an anchor carrying this movie.
Mammootty might be celebrated differently than in other mass films here. But don’t get it wrong, as he is in all his glory here. He is the leading man, and you will miss him in every scene where he is absent.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Themes
It is amusing how a simple movie like this can convey many themes. Mammootty, with his two characters, showed us two different worlds altogether. Both characters are completely different from each other.
James, on the one hand, is moody and a complete introvert. While Sundaram is animated and can’t keep his hands out of a matter. Both have different cultures and different religious beliefs, and even the language is different.
The film is filled with metaphors, and both James and Sundaram become a gateway of kindness, acceptance, and humanity in this rather soulless world.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam Review: Is It Worth It?
The movie is definitely good. But it might not be for everyone. People who know Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s cultural similarities and differences will love this movie. But it is so much more than that.
Mammootty once again showed everyone why he is considered a legend. He is near perfect in this movie. His character deals with mental issues, but you will be mesmerized by how unbothered he really is. Truly a gem of a movie and a perfect start to 2023 Indian cinema.
