This was one 'Nellikka' that was publicised as a film put in fine saline water so that it can be served without the share of its bitterness. Yes, the new movie from editor turned director Bijith Bala appears good in its initial looks , but is not devoid of total bitterness as it is not perfected to be served best.The movie which has a fine first half, change lanes in the latter half to end up as an above average entertainer.In fact that too is an accomplishment, considering the case of the other few movies that are out to theatres these weeks.
Handsome young hero Deepak Parambol is cast as Balu, an youngster who studied at North India and roamed all around before coming back home, jobless. But he is welcomed with all enthusiasm by his sister Nandhana (Parveen) and his music loving father (Sasikumar), a big fan of the immortal musician Baburaj. Balu for the first time meets Satheesh(Atul Kulkarni), who is engaged for marriage with Nandu and strikes an instant friendship with him, who is a polished and successful man in life, working as a zonal manager in a bank. Balu, with the help of his brother in law , also restarts his relation with Priya(Sija Rose) with whom he was in love before he left the place. They also revamps their music troupe and everything is in the happier side till Balu realises that everything Satheesh is trying to project as part of his demeanour is not that real. Faced by the startling facts, Balu now strategises to help his brother -in- law out of the current mess that he is immersed in, which forms the rest of the movie ..
'Nellikka' has a good start ,moves one in a feel good manner and in a leisurely pace finely using the values of Baburaj music and few light moments, that works well. But post interval it takes a different route, switching gears and gives a feel of a different movie from the one that you were watching till then. The climax also looks artificial and contrived and the warmth created using the Baburaj 'music is left out here.But the movie succeeds in keeping you engaged through out and without much boring moments. The experience as the editor of many hit movies have helped Bijith Bala to rightly shift gears and come out with a watchable fare without much casualties.
In the acting side, Deepak Parambol as usual, looks good and appear confident giving an air that he is here to stay. Sija Rose in here short role impresses while Atul Kulkarni is safely cast in a role that works best for the movie too. Bhagath Manuel is also in a fine role while the rest of the cast are good. Sasikumar but could't sustain the feel demanded of the character he was playing.
The technical sides of the movie is also awesome with Kunjunni S Kumar debuting with some charming frames.The editing by the director is also good though the movie appears a bit longer at two hour and twenty four minutes.The music and songs by Bijibal sinks well with the mood and content of the movie.
'Nellikka', in the final analysis, is one movie that can be prescribed for an easy watch, one time. Could have been much better, had it been mixed with some more needed kicks and punchy thrills.
Rating - 6/10
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