Kumbalangi Nights

Kumbalangi Nights (9/10)
Genre: Drama
Director: Madhu C. Narayanan
Cast: Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Fahadh Faasil, Sreenath Bhasi, Mathew Thomas
Country: India
Language: Malayalam
Year: 2019

Wow! What a film! Not sure how to express my feelings with words, but that doesn't alter the fact that Kumbalangi Nights is one of the eminent films to come out of Malayalam as well as the Indian film industry after a long time. I felt so connected to the film, which is always a great feeling to experience while watching a movie. 

Kumbalangi Nights substantiates how to craft a meaningful yet commercial cinema that strikes a chord with the audience. Every aspect of the film is exquisite, be it writing or direction, cinematography or music, or the enthralling performances by the cast, make it memorable. I am always skeptical about watching Indian films because it celebrates mediocre cinema in a gloried manner on most occasions, a common practice by audiences and critics alike. But Kumbalangi Nights is one of those rare examples which live up to its critical appraise bestowed by the film community, and I'm equally delighted as well. The more you say about the film, the less it is. 

Yes, of course, there's the songs and melodrama, but it doesn't feel instigated. The beauty of the human relationship gets portrayed in a very humane way throughout the film. It would be a heinous crime not to mention 'The Shining' homage, which takes this film to a whole new level because that is the last thing to expect. 

The story is about four brothers with no love between them and how their relationship takes a turn bringing them closer. 

Director Madhu C. Narayanan enchants audiences in his debut feature film by creating a seamless between commercial and meaningful cinema. Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Mathew Thomas playing the roles of the four brothers are the lifeline of the movie. The talented Fahadh Faasil once again showers his brilliance with his performance. The rest of the supporting cast is blissful to watch, especially Sooraj Pops, whom I and my friend, addressed as our Sam Jackson throughout the film. The color grading work in the movie is another integral constituent in the movie that complements Shyju Khalid's brilliant cinematography. Sushin Shyam's music will remind you of A.R. Rahman. 

To conclude, Kumbalangi Nights is undoubtedly one of the best films to helm from India that deserves to be seen by admirers of good cinema.