Shikkari Shambu Review: A formula flick with few surprises

A predictable film that makes for a decent watch, as long as you go in with low expectations
Shikkari Shambu Review: A formula flick with few surprises

Shikkari Shambu is what one would call a quintessential formula film. It follows a time-tested style, a predictable pattern and simple narrative, which seems so formulaic, that it ends up being a vanilla affair. Not that such films wouldn't make a great watch--Sugeeth himself has employed this technique successfully in his debut Ordinary--but the issue here is that Shikkari Shambu doesn't even try to bring in anything novel.  The result: Shikkari Shambu is a watchable film, but not a memorable one.

Director: Sugeeth
Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Sshivada

Peeli aka Peelipose (Kunchacko Boban) and his henchmen Achu and Shaji (Vishnu Unnikrishnan and Hareesh Perumana, respectively) are three small-time thieves who arrives at Kurudimalakaav, posing as tiger hunters. Their intention is to pocket the five lakh rupee remuneration offered for killing the tiger and to steal the antique idol inside a village temple. But, they soon find themselves involved in the village's issues.

Now, Peeli's antics aren't heroic, just mostly clumsy. Everything from the way he nails the tiger to conducting his life is aimed at eliciting a few laughs. But there too, there is nothing much we haven't seen or heard before.

The best part of Shikkari Shambu is its picturesque location. Shot in forests around Bhoothathankettu, the visuals are enticing enough to keep us hooked. But, the same can't be said about the below-average CGI, which makes us cringe.

That said, the film has an unpredictable climax twist, one that comes as a real surprise. Though we wish the makers had invested a bit more build-up towards the climax, that shocker remains the saving grace of the Shikkari Shambu.

While Kunchacko Boban is his usual self here, he does try to bring in a little machoism with some action sequences. But it doesn't really seem like the actor is in the mood for experimenting. As for Vishnu Unnikrishnan and Hareesh Perumana, their sole job is to tickle our ribs and while a few one-liners do crack us up, largely the humour is ineffective.

Shikkari Shambu is definitely a watchable film, only there are no surprises in store.

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