Golam (2024) - "Predictable, yet engaging narrative that draws you in"


 


Directed by: Samjad
Written by: Praveen Viswanath, Samjad
Starring: Ranjith Sajeev, Sunny Wayne, Dileesh Pothan, Alencier Ley Lopez, Siddique
Cinematography: Vijay
Edited by: Tinubu Bobrisky
Music by: Aby Salvin Thomas
Production: Fragrant Nature Film Creations
Release Date: 7 June 2024
Language: Malayalam

Plot Overview:

Golam centers around ASP Saneepkrishna, tasked with investigating the mysterious death of Issac John, the MD of a software firm named V Tech. Issac is found dead in the company washroom, and the crime scene leaves Saneep suspicious of foul play. As he digs deeper, the film takes us through Saneep's efforts to uncover the truth behind the murder, with the challenge of solving it in a highly monitored space, where there seems to be no trace left by the killer.

Performances:

The performances in Golam are solid across the board. Every actor, from the leads to the supporting cast, delivers their role with conviction:

  • Ranjith Sajeev: Though the main lead, Ranjith, doesn’t get much scope to showcase a wide range of emotions, he plays his role well. His character is subtle, but that leaves the audience wanting more depth and engagement from the protagonist.

  • Sunny Wayne, Dileesh Pothan, Alencier Ley Lopez, and Siddique: These seasoned actors bring credibility to the film. Their experience helps balance the narrative, especially when the plot starts feeling predictable.

Technical Aspects:

  • Direction: Samjad maintains a steady focus throughout the film, excelling at keeping the pacing tight. His direction works well to create a gripping atmosphere, though some predictable elements weaken the tension as the story progresses.

  • Screenplay: The screenplay is well-written and keeps you engaged for the most part. The story starts strong, but as the film moves forward, the predictability of the plot creeps in. While the mystery is intriguing at first, some audience members may feel they can guess where it's heading.

  • Music & BGM: Aby Salvin Thomas's background score enhances the film's atmosphere, adding a subtle intensity to the thriller. However, while the BGM is good, it doesn’t elevate the suspense in a way that stands out as memorable.

  • Production Values: The production quality is commendable. The film looks polished, with well-executed set pieces that match the thriller genre, giving the audience a realistic portrayal of the crime investigation.

Strengths:

  • Story and Screenplay: The core plot is engaging, and the way the investigation unfolds holds the audience’s attention for most of the film.

  • Performances: The actors do justice to their roles, delivering strong performances that complement the film’s mysterious tone.

  • Direction: Samjad’s focused direction ensures that the film maintains its pace and keeps the viewer interested, even during slower moments.

Weaknesses:

  • Predictability: After a certain point, the film becomes somewhat predictable, which dampens the overall thrill. The twists are foreseeable, which takes away from the suspense the film tries to build.

  • Lead Character Development: The main lead, Sandeep, could have been given more depth. His character doesn’t have the emotional or narrative range expected from a protagonist in such a plot, which might leave some viewers wanting more.

  • Pacing in the Latter Half: While the first half keeps the audience engaged, the second half feels rushed, and the predictability affects the pacing, making the climax less impactful.

My Personal Take On Cinema:

Golam is a refreshing entry that showcases new talent alongside familiar faces. The film’s crime-thriller premise is intriguing, and while the story falters in some areas, it remains a commendable attempt to bring a well-crafted mystery to the screen. The combination of experienced actors with fresh faces works well, adding a dynamic energy to the narrative.

Despite its predictability and some missed opportunities in character development, Golam is a worthy watch for fans of mystery thrillers. It’s a solid film that adds a new flavor to Malayalam cinema, proving that innovation in casting and storytelling can create a strong impact.

Rating: 

3/5

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