National Award winning director Siddarth Siva is known for his thought provoking and intense movies. His latest outing, ‘Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho’ (KPAC) is altogether of a different genre, more palatable for the common masses to savor. As with all of Siddarth’s movies, this one too packs some enlightening stuff. The movie is based on Paulo Coelho’s oft quoted statement from ‘The Alchemist’ - “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” The child’s perspective is beautifully narrated and this is what takes the movie to its height.
Rudraksh as Ayappadas is brilliant and engages with the viewers in a short span of time. This is in a way his story and appeals to the heart and intellect alike. Though some sequences are contrived and appear preachy, the director has managed to steer clear of being trapped in a didactic narrative. The plot basically is all about Ayappadas’s ultimate wish to travel in an aeroplane. His father Mohandas (Irshad) works abroad and he has always been fascinated by the tales told by his father and maternal uncle.
Chicken pox once stood in the way of his flying one summer vacation, when he is left behind and his mother and brother goes on ahead for the trip without him. The next time too, a ticket is booked, but once again things are not smooth. It is at this juncture that Kochavva (Kuchako Boban), a do-gooder in the village comes to his aid. Not only Kochavva, the whole of the universe pitches in. The philosophy is beautifully visualized by Siddarth. Though only a handful of characters are integral to the narrative, a lot many passing characters dot the scene, after all the ‘universe’ has to pitch in.
The village life is brought out in an engaging manner. Some typical characters are depicted brilliantly. Suraaj as the drunkard, KPAC Lalitha and Nedumudi Venu all provides a freshness to the narrative. The combo of Kochavva and Ayappadas is heart rending. The story is very simple, but the execution and creativity level makes the movie a pleasant watch. Siddarth has been able to bring out the essence of the story through his actors. Rudraskh is especially impressive.
The frames of the movie are pleasant and Neil D’Cunha has done well to keep it steady. The editing and BGM all compliment the pace of the movie. Songs are not intrusive but gels well with the narrative. ‘Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho’ is an eminently watchable movie and one can take back home the feel of the philosophy that it tries to convey.
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