Chanakyathantram

Chanakyathantram Story: Despite being the topper in Criminology, Arjun aspires to be a private detective. As he pursues his passion with full vigour, he realises that he is trapped by a mesh of situations. Will he be able to tackle it?

Chanakyathantram Review: The handsome boy who entered tinsel town as Mallu Singh has all grownup into a skilful actor. Kannan Thamarakulam and team have tried their best to prove the acting calibre of the hunk without losing any bit of his charm. Arjun (Unni Mukundan) is a bright and brilliant criminologist who aspires to be a private detective. From the cosy atmosphere of his home, he shifts to Kochi after being lured by a promising offer from the city. He is observant, cunning and intelligent and has the knack to solve even the most difficult cases within a couple of weeks. Eventually, Arjun becomes over confident, also falls in love with an orphan named Andrea. That is when he is assigned to investigate and keep an eye on Andrea. As he becomes confused about the reason behind it, the film takes a U turn. What was he investigating so far? Is the organisation for whom he is working reliable? Arjun is caught in the crossfire.

Unni Mukundan as Arjun has been clothed in multiple avatars – from his debut role Mallu Singh to a sexy and seducing female- and he brings out each character with perfection. The first half of the film is all about it and we may feel it slightly over the top. Yet, the team has managed to make it an entertaining affair.

We see Kannan Thamarakulam evolving as a director from his first Malayalam film Thinkal Muthal Velli Vare. The film doesn’t bore you as the moment you doubt whether you are, there comes an occasional humour. However, things become serious in the second half when Arjun realises that he has been trapped by a few and who has framed remains a question.

Every actor in the movie has done their best. However, the performance of Anoop Menon who comes into the picture in the second half of the movie, is a let-down. His quite obvious artificial beard and stiff face makes his character which is supposed to be a respectable one, quite unacceptable. His role disappoints as we have seen him play similar characters on screen with undoubtful perfection. The cinematography, dialogues and sequences are entertaining, but the background score reminds one of Aadu which is again composed by Shaan Rahman. The heroic deeds of Unni Mukandan are enhanced with similar background music of Shaji Pappan.

For Unni Mukundan fans, it is a mass entertainer and it will not bore a normal movie goer. While Unni Mukundan proves his acting calibre without losing the thrill of the movie, Kannan Thamarakulam manages to bring out an interesting and relevant message through the film which should be definitely appreciated. It is heartening to see that the industry is transforming alongside the society.

A suspense thriller, which is also a leisurely watch. If you are an Unni Mukundan fan, this film is for you.