‘Samson’ is a petty theif who goes to jail for an attempt to murder case. On the day of his release he meets ‘Mallika’ (Charmi Kaur) on the doorsteps of the jail. He instantly falls for her, not knowing intially that she was also an inmate for five years for committing a murder. He follows her and helps her out when she falls victim to a road accident. In a bid to find a place in her heart, he agrees to accompany her to her distant village where unknown to him hide many a secrets from her past. On his way he encounters many colourful characters and funny incidents, all the while trying to impress ‘Mallika’ and express his true feelings. What happens when he reaches her village forms the rest of the story.
Mammootty, Charmi Kaur, Murali Gopy, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Suresh Krishna, Vijayraghavan, Vijesh, Ponnamma Babu, Malla Aravindan
Director:
Johny Antony
Story:
M. Sindhuraj
Music:
Vidyasagar
Producer:
Milan Jaleel
The film is an all out "Mammootty treat" and this certainly paralyses what could have been a blockbuster script. Humour was potent in the first half and the film shows great appeal till the interval. We are instantly reminded of Mammootty's earlier ventures like Mayavi and Thuruppugulan but the similarities dissapear in the second half and what is left is a half baked version of what could have bbeen a blockbuster comedy family hit. It does not bore you but it certainly won't leave a lasting impression either.
Watch the movie for :
- Mammootty's performance. His comic timing seems to be getting better with age ( though his characters are growing repetetive). He carries the films on his shoulders.
- God performance by the complete cast.
- Murali Gopy's performance. His return as a bad guy (reminds us of his Rasikan days) is not at all stale. His character 'Kannukuttan' is a real guy, no over the top fuss but a real meanie at heart. His eyes hide the menace his character holds and towards the climax it comes out in full force. You are bound to be surprised at his eruption towards the end.
- Shajohn, 'Noolunda' (Vijesh), Ponamma Babu, VijayRaghavan, Manikantan and many more strive to get the laughs out of you. The part involving Vijesh and Ponamma is a must watch comic piece.
- Dialogues are fun and quick witted. The audience goes into sudden splits multiple times.
- The first song of the film sets a fresh tone and is great to watch.
Skip the movie for:
- Half baked characters. Except for Mammookka's no other character was really given time for developing into a strong one. Talented artists like Murali, Shajohn, Suresh Krishna and Charmi were underutilised; their charachters and stories never really developed to full.
- This is specially felt in the case of Murali who had a chance to create a menacing and mean character , and showed signs of a really strong baddie, but failed due to lack of space, screentime and powerful dialogues. The intial posters showed us signs of an epic showdown, but the ultimate film is a letdown as it simply transcends into a good outsider vs the village baddie storyline.
- Action was over the top. While this is a part and parcel of all "Superstar flicks" , it could have been avoided here. While 'Samson' took ample time to beat up and unleash his fury on petty side acts, his final fight with 'Kannukuttan' leaves us with a unsatisfying showdown.
- Old wine in new bottle effect. The film has nothing new to offer and Mammookka's act, though engaging and fun, reminds us of so many he has done in recent years.
- The second half of the film never rises up to the expectation set up by the first half and for many it can be a let down. The script is flawed and sadly a few changes may have had a radicaly positive effect.
Finally, Thappana is a film which had the potential to become a blockbuster but failures in script may restrict it to a "festival hit " status. Having said that there are always more reasons to see the film for a festival enjoyment than not too. A "one time watch" in exact words.