Nunakkhuzhi revolves around the life of a young businessman whose world unravels when he gets caught in a tangled web of lies and mistaken identities-all triggered by the frantic search for a misplaced laptop. What begins as a seemingly ordinary quest quickly spirals into chaos, leading to unexpected twists and turns. As the protagonist navigates this whirlwind of deception, the film masterfully blends suspense and humor, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Story

The seemingly perfect life of Eby Zacharia (Basil Joseph), the Managing Director of Poozhikunnel Group, and his wife Rimi(Nikhila Vimal) takes a dramatic turn when IT officials raid their home. Senior Officer Bhamakrishnan (Siddique) confiscates Eby’s laptop, unknowingly setting off a chain of startling events. As secrets unravel and tension mounts, the story delves into the consequences of the raid, leading to a series of shocking developments that form the crux of Nunakkhuzhi. With unexpected twists at every corner, the film keeps audiences hooked as it explores the complexities of truth, deception, and the high stakes of Eby's predicament.

Analysis

Baiju Joseph shines in *Nunakkhuzhi*, elevating the film with his impeccable screen presence and sharp comic timing as the senior cop. His performance injects humor and energy into the narrative. However, Althaf's portrayal falls short, feeling somewhat lackluster and underwhelming. Manoj K Jayan’s character, unfortunately, doesn’t add much value to the plot, leaving his role forgettable. Grace Antony delivers a solid performance, enhancing key scenes with her acting prowess, though at times she crosses into being overly dramatic, which slightly dampens the impact. Basil Joseph starts off convincingly but becomes less compelling as the film progresses, with his expressions and actions turning predictable.

Jeethu Joseph, known for his intense crime thrillers, steps into a different realm with *Nunakkhuzhi*, blending suspense and humor to create an engaging yet uneven narrative. The screenplay by K.R. Krishna Kumar is tight, avoiding major loopholes, and ensures that the story doesn’t lose momentum. While some jokes fall flat, the script largely succeeds in maintaining audience interest without any significant dull moments.

Joseph's storytelling approach weaves three interrelated narratives, each designed to pique curiosity. He introduces a diverse array of characters: a couple on the verge of divorce, a conglomerate's managing director, and a group of eccentric film industry personalities including a drunken actor, producer, writer-director, and a tipsy income tax officer. Their chaotic interactions add excitement and tension to the story. However, despite these intriguing elements, the film suffers from a lack of genuine surprises and suspense, often relying too heavily on comedic relief. The predictability of certain scenes ultimately disappoints viewers hoping for more twists.

Joseph’s decision to divide the narrative into four threads is creative, but the execution falters. The first two threads unfold with promise and intrigue, but the third thread loses focus, dragging the momentum. Thankfully, the final segment redeems the film, offering a satisfying conclusion that prevents it from completely derailing.

On the technical front, Vishnu Shyam’s background score amplifies the mood, with the theme song heightening the intensity of key moments. His collaboration with Jay Unnithan on the music results in situational tracks that blend well with the narrative. Satheesh Kurup’s cinematography is visually captivating, adding depth and texture to the film’s overall atmosphere. Editing by V.S. Vinayak is mostly tight, though a few scenes could have been trimmed for better pacing. The production values are commendable, further enhancing the film’s appeal.

In summary, *Nunakkhuzhi* offers moments of entertainment with its intriguing premise and comedic elements, but its lack of consistent thrills and occasional predictability prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Verdict

Jeethu Joseph’s *Nunakkhuzhi* ultimately falls short of its potential, delivering a thriller that becomes predictable as the story unfolds. While the film has its moments of intrigue, the lack of surprising twists and the inclusion of unnecessary scenes weigh down the overall narrative. Had the script been fine-tuned with sharper pacing and more unexpected developments, *Nunakkhuzhi* could have been a far more engaging and dynamic experience. With a tighter focus and a few key adjustments, the film’s impact would have been significantly brighter.