Oru Cinemakkaran: One-time watch

Let's get this clear first. Leo Thaddeus' Oru Cinemakkaran doesn't have much to do with cinema. Yes, the protagonist is an aspiring director who struggles, mostly in vain, for a big break, but other than that (save for a few start-camera-action cries), there isn't much 'on location' fracas happening here. Rather, the focus is on the struggling film maker's personal life and the mess it turns out to be. 

Cast: Vineeth Sreenivasan, Rajisha Vijayan, Anusree, Vijay Babu
Director: Leo Thaddeus

Assistant director Albi (Vineeth Sreenivasan) and Sara (Rajisha Vijayan) are a deep-in-love couple who get married after a long courtship. She always has his back and doesn't mind forsaking her little pleasures so that his dreams come true. Without much support from their parents, the couple soon turns friends with their neighbours, played by Anusree and Vijay Babu. But Albi soon finds his life crumbling down, courtesy a decision taken in a moment's madness.

Director Leo paints a hunky dory picture in the start, telling us how much in love Albi and Sara are. Their parents are not exactly in favour of this relationship, but we don't see much animosity either. That's where the loose ends start to show. Albi is in dire need of money, and is so desperate that he might even steal, but somehow his agony really doesn't seem too real.  However, the humour-laden and incident-free first half makes way for a twist in the second half. 

Only post-interval does it dawn on us that the movie has taken a thriller route, though not a very convincing one. But, then it does serve a few thrills. If you decide to overlook a few flaws, the train of incidents can keep you hooked. It has some intriguing moments and revelations. 

Vineeth Sreenivasan puts up a good act as Albi, and Rajisha Vijayan is every bit the chirpy person she plays onscreen. While Ranji Panicker is wasted in a character that hasn't been fleshed out well, Hareesh Perumana and Sasi Kalinga add to the humour element. 

Oru Cinema Karan isn't exactly a superslick thriller, but is a decent watch. It has a certain warmth and a heart and can make for an one-time watch.