Its a rarity these days in Malayalam cinema to find movies with a
homely feel. Those films that were too simple and direct in their story telling
approach with the essence and flavour of traditional Malayali life have almost
vanished from the scene. But Krish Kymal's Olapeeppi has a different tale to
tell unlike the kind of cinema we see nowadays.
The movie is a trip down our memory lane, in fact a nostalgic ride
to the seventies and deliver it with utmost simplicity. The title itself has
that homeliness to it, with something that was a valuable playing thing in
those days for children which the present generation kids would have no clue
about.Coming to the story line, the movie focus on a rich Tharavaadu that suffer
due to the land reforms of the seventies. Unni returns from United States to
his ancestral home after spending a long thirty years of his life abroad to the
resting place of his grandmother. He recollect his childhood days that he spend
with his Muthassi and goes back to US a satisfied man after realising something
new in his life.
The film is very straight forward with its approach without any
gimmicks and tell what it wanted in a neat fashion. There are some moments that
brings about a feel of sympathy towards the grandmother and her grandson seeing
the plight of them now. Many poor people have benefited from the land reforms
but some wealthy homes were also at the receiving end. The thing is the ones
suffering now are in no way part of or neither responsible for the zamindari
and feudal system followed by their forefathers.Poverty and helplessness are
the two obstacles standing tall infront of the kid and her grandmother and the
sufferings of the two makes our eyes wet and touch our heart. Krish Kymal, the
director is successful in conveying the beautiful bonding that the two share
through many finer moments. Making side is quite simple and orthodox. It has
its share of faults and uneasiness at times but that cannot take any credits
from the other positive things Olapeeppi offer.
Biju Menon is casted as Unni in a character that we haven't seen
him in the recent past. Not a challenging role for the actor but nevertheless
he did what he was supposed to in a sincere manner. Eighty year old Punnasery
Kanchana is the one who plays the role of Muthassi with such finesse with lot
of innocence and simplicity to it. She was an yesteryear actress of the
sixties, if I am not wrong. She is making a comeback and through this
performance she has proven that age is not a factor for making a comeback in
acting.The little boy who enacted the role of Unni's childhood days was also
notable along with Paris Laxmi and Anjali Upasana. Sreejith Ravi in a role that
doesn't have any kindness plays it perfect as a heartless man. Few more
unfamiliar actors are part of the supporting side who were okay.Cinematography
handled by the director himself is a major highlight capturing the beauty of
Kerala village life with elegance. Background score was done as per the moods
and tone of the film. There is one song in the movie and it was okay.
Verdict: Olapeeppi trying to stress the
importance of relationships, bonding and love is a movie with a heart and
deserves a watch. When very little of the traditional Kerala life remains in
reel and real life, it is heart warming to see there are still attempts going
on like this which can bring back old memories for the good.
Rating - 3.5 / 5
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