Panth

Story: Kaannenkavu is a tiny village with people in perfect harmony. But there are rumours about the evil brewing. It the midst of the chaos is Amina, a 9 year old bundle of mischief, with her love for football.

Review: Directed by Aadhi, the trailer of Panthers gave an impression of being a story revolving around football. After the successful run of Sudani from Nigeria, the trailer gave an impression of trying to ride on the success formula. However, Panth has very little to do with football.

Kaannenkavu is a hamlet hidden within the lush and green folds of suburban Kerala, mingled with myths and folklores that have forever been a part of grandma tales. Panth is the story of Kaannenkavu, surrounding little Amina, who is a mischievous bundle, single-minded about wanting to play football. But Kaannenkavu has more secrets to itself than it lets on.

Nine year old Abeni Aadhi, known for her award winning role in Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho, is being directed by her father, Aadhi this time. And it might have helped, because she is just as fantastic as the last time, maybe even better. Abeni, as Amina, lights up the screen every single time. Bankable artists like Nedumangad Venu, Indrans, and Sudheesh are an asset to the narrative. Ashwaghosh cranks the camera for Panth. Ishaan Dev's music is on point. the background score and the songs neatly tie up the narrative. Ashwaghosh's cinematography also lifts the narrative of the myths. His lens helps with the visual storytelling.

However, the story of Panth seems to be scattered all over Kaannenkavu. Panth severely suffers from audio glitches that seriously marr the viewing experienced. Editing jerks also don't seem to help either.

Panth is less about football and more about the fight of good against evil. It uses folklore and myths to help tell the story. There is a brilliant story somewhere in there. But the story loses its sheen amidst narrative decorations. However, Panth has its good moments. And the movie is worth a watch for these moments, especially for Abeni Aadhi.