REVIEW

Oru Melliya Kodu is a well-sounded film in the whole film industry since the film has been an unofficial remake of the popular Spanish film, the movie makers are well achieved to do the movie in their own style such that it will be honored by our south Indian movie lovers. Apparently the movie makers are succeeded earlier in Kannada version, this mysterious film got the good response from the common audience as well. So the director decided to make a Tamil version of this film. India’s top music composer Ilaiyaraja composed music for this great film.

The movie is a murder mystery with a twist changes over the total film. A murder case, driving under the influence of alcohol, a hit-and-run, and an investigation which links the incidents together. A film about how a family suffers due to drunken driving.

STORY

A body of a high-profile businesswoman goes missing from the morgue in the Forensic Lab. The only eye-witness (the security guard) who saw what happened to the body runs away in fear and meets with an accident. The investigation team arrives in the middle of the night and by daybreak solves the mystery. Most of the story takes place in the duration of those eight hours after midnight. This leads to a cat-and-mouse game between the investigative office and the potential suspect, the husband of the murdered.

The film is a tale that is narrated through one night, with references to many tales prior to that. This non-linear narrative holds the viewer gripped. The protagonist, an investigative officer, is following the case of a rich heiress, who was allegedly murdered and whose body is missing from the morgue. The suspect, her husband who's younger than her, has his own motives and lies that keep him on the run. Where did the body really go? You will have to watch in the big screen.

PERFORMANCE

The film has some good performances. Arjun is the main highlight of the movie. He has given a very subtle performance which the script demands. Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, has made a comeback, but the actress fails to impress the audiences through her acting. Shaam shines as the caring, but a criminal husband of Manisha Koirala in the movie. Other actors Neha Saxena and Aqsa Bhatt have lived their roles.

What doesn't work is the fact that the filmmaker has tried to 'Indianize' this Spanish thriller with the predictable song-and-dance routines added between the highly volatile narratives. Maybe he should have taken a cue from other legitimate remakes of foreign thrillers like Thoongavanam, which worked without the songs.

The essence of the movie is the strong & gripping screenplay. Cinematography and the background score are good. While there are a few shortcomings, this medical thriller is well worth that outing, because of the plot and the performances.

PLUS

Story

Cast

Cinematography

MINUS

Manisha Koirala

Song Placements

Verdict : Murder mystery with a message!

Stars : 1/5