Rani Padmini Review

The much awaited Aashiq Abu directorial film Rani Padmini had released all over today. The film is much awaited mainly due to two factors. One is that it is a sort of comeback of Aashiq Abu after the disaster he faced through the film gangster last year starred by mega star Mammootty. The second factor is that it is the combination of Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal that is making the film attractive. Manju Warrier is one of the all-time best actress in Mollwood and Rima Kallingal is the best the new generation of actresses in Mollywood. When both are coming together for film that too a women-centric one, then it is quite interesting for the film lovers.

The film tells the story of two women named Rani and Padmini and a journey they undertook together. Rani’s character is played by Rima and Padmini’s character is played by Manju Warrier. They were strangers and meets during a journey and from there develops a bond between them and they influence each other as well. Padmini is married to a man named Giri, who is a Himalayan race driver. The film begins with the eloping of Padmini to meet her husband who went to Himachal Pradesh for the race. On the way, she meets Rani who is also eloping from her house due to the threat of a gangster to her life.

Aashiq Abu had made a good comeback through this film as the mark of talented director is evident in the making of a film. We have to appreciate his courage to make a film with two actresses in the lead in an industry where still the male lead stars rules the proceedings. The screenplay by Shyam Pushkaran and Ravi Shankar has depth and intensity to make us feel the emotional conflicts and struggles both Rani and Padmini goes through in different situations of their life. The screenwriters and director succeeded in telling the story in a realistic at the same time in a thrilling way as well. We can say it gives us a feel of one film directed by Sameer Thahir named Neelakasham Pacha Kadal Chuvanna Bhoomi in a sense of its pattern of narration and visuals.

Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal seems to be in a competition of performing great and both had done a stunning job as the lead characters of Rani and Padmini. Manju Warrier was at her natural best and Rima was bold and beautiful and proved that she is the best among new generation actresses. Other artists such as Jinu Joseph, Soubin Shaheer, Praveen Jain, Sreenath Bhasi, Sooraj Harris, Dileesh Pothen etc also performed with ease and looked very much convincing as well.

Biji Pal’s music and Madhu Neelakandan’s DOP had become the soul of the film and it both raised the standard and aesthetic experience the film gives to another level. Saiju Sreedharan’s Editing also went well which made the film to move in a smooth flow. The only negative we felt was that the characterization of Manju Warrier is following the same cliché which she is doing after her come back.

Rani Padmini is a beautiful film with its great visuals, narration and the freshness it brings to you after you watch the film. Even though may have difference of opinion regarding the policy of women liberation it put forward, but you can’t ignore the honesty with which it is presented and as a film it is enjoyable to the core.

Director : Aashiq Abu
Release Date : 23/10/2015
Cast : Manju Warrier, Rima Kallingal, Soubin Shaheer

Review : Harikrishnan