‘Solo’ has so many things riding on it that it is difficult to decide where to start. On one hand there are all these mythical dimensions pertaining to Shiva’s incarnations and on the other we have explorations of the basic elements that constitute life. Wrapped around all these intense symbolisms are four stories each distinct yet connected. For instance the pathos and the underlying emotions are a constant in all four. So is the man-wife-child motif. The making by Bijoy Nambiar is simply outstanding. For those who are unaccustomed to chew on deeper layers of significance in such movies, the immediate feel after the movie might be one of perplexity or even dislike. Especially when the fourth segment dishes out a cliché and dialogues seem out of sync with the tone maintained till then.

The first segment is Shekar’s story. The story has been conceived and narrated well. The long locks, the stammer, the girl’s blindness, voice, and so many myriad aspects have been given minute attention. Water is the element explored and the girl in the pool, and especially the beach forms a symbolic backdrop. Dulquer as Shekar is a class act. As a tough looking guy with a stammer, he easily handles the role. Soubin plays a prominent role in it and his comic rejoinders keep alive the feel of the movie. In Triloks’ story also, the symbolic elements are aplenty. In this story Anson has done his role neatly. All those talk about humane feelings and the stress on “keeping” it, is well presented. The cold and calculating role is again handled well by Dulquer.

Shiva in third segment is fiery and closed fisted for most part. The hard hitting, gun wielding youth is well presented. As in the other segments too, the lack of equilibrium in the familial sphere is evident here too. The final story is that of Rudra. I felt that this segment could have done with a different treatment. The way in which illegitimacy has been presented is kind of comic and disrupts a very serious scenario. After all that army manoveours, battalion spirit and chasing after the girl, the revelation is narrated in a clichéd manner. With such a bumpy landing the movie takes a nosedive. Dulquer as Rudra with his army get up has done well.

The twists and turns in most of the stories have been narrated in a convincing manner. The movie has deliberately made use of different cinematic techniques like jump cuts and flash backs and flash forwards in an effective manner. Life and death are juxtaposed well in the tales. It is also interesting how the father figure is explored in each of the stories. If we talk about such symbolisms, a lot can be said and read in the movie. The camera too makes a conscious effort to maintain the mood. Even the lights have been used in such a manner. In Shiva’s tale, those sombre lights set the tone for the segment.

‘Solo’ is not a solo affair. It is a beautiful collection of myriad motifs and symbols. However one views this, the movie will not be a disappointment. At least one segment will surely satiate your appetite.