Abrahaminte Santhathikal Review: Mammootty shines in this engaging thriller

Abrahaminte Santhathikal Review: Mammootty shines in this engaging thriller

Haneef Adeni after the success of ‘The Great Father’ teams up with Mammootty once again – that was the biggest highlight of ‘Abrahaminte Santhathikal’. Haneef though dons the role of a scriptwriter this time as the director’s hat is worn by Shaji Padoor, a veteran who has been in the industry for over two decades as an associate to many ace filmmakers. The highly impressive promos generated a huge pre-release, but does the movie manage to live up to all that? Let’s see.

Abrahaminte Santhathikal starts off very promisingly as we are introduced to a serial killer committing cold blooded murders. Officer Derick Abraham, one of the best in the force, is handed over the investigation charge and he cracks it within no time. From there the plot takes a shift, the first of many to come. From a riveting crime thriller mode, the narrative becomes an emotional drama involving Derick and his brother Philip. Anything more about the plot would end up as spoilers, so let’s leave it there.

Haneef Adeni has scripted a two hour long commercial subject that has crime, emotions and of course the twists. But stuffing in too many subplots could have been avoided as they end up as bumps in what is otherwise a smooth ride. Shaji Padoor with his years of experience has given a decent work in his directorial debut. The movie has almost all the stereotypes associated with a wannabe crime thriller – a serial killer who mouths Biblical verses, a forthright investigating officer with a dark past, a superior who stands by him and a gang of jealous colleagues.

Despite all this, what makes Abrahaminte Santhathikal a good watch is easily Mammootty’s towering screen presence and the final 20 minutes or so. Even though it has tonnes of logical loopholes, there is a proper culmination which gives a satisfying movie watching experience for a commoner.

Derick Abraham’s role was never really a challenge for an actor like Mammootty as he comes up with a finely measured performance. The Big B-esque brooding nature and suitableness is there in this movie as well. Anson Paul as Philip Abraham had a solid role and the youngster was impressive in parts. Kalabhavan Shajon plays a police officer once again but luckily it’s a slightly different role and he delivers what was expected of him. Kaniha, Siddique, Renji Panicker, Suresh Krishna, Yog Japee, Tarushi, Sohan Seenulal and Maqbool Salman are also part of the cast.

Technically, Abrahaminte Santhathikal has a lot of ‘Great Father’ hangover. DOP Alby’s stylish frames, slo-mo shots and the overall making style instantly reminds one of TGF. Gopi Sunder has done a good job with the background score which keeps the audience hooked till the end.

Overall, Abrahaminte Santhathikal has a good share of flaws but the final act lifts the movie and gives feel of contentment. It is definitely a good one-time watch for all those who love thriller flicks.