PANI MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Joju George, Sagar Surya, Junaiz V.P., Bobby Kurian, Abhinaya, Abhaya Hiranmayi, Seema, Chandini Sreedharan, Prashanth Alexander, Sujith Shankar, Rinosh George
Director: Joju George
Rating: 3.5/5
In his directorial debut Pani, actor Joju George crafts a tale of revenge set in the bustling streets of Thrissur. The story follows Giri (played by Joju himself), a powerful figure straddling the line between legitimate business and organized crime, whose carefully constructed world is shattered when two young criminals, Don (Sagar Surya) and Siju (Junaiz VP), cross paths with his family. What begins as a minor altercation at a supermarket spirals into a brutal game of cat-and-mouse, as these fearless newcomers to the crime world challenge the established order of Giri’s syndicate.
The performances form the backbone of this violent drama. Sagar Surya and Junaiz VP deliver standout portrayals as the ruthless antagonists, bringing a chilling combination of charm and brutality to their roles. Joju George maintains a restrained presence as Giri, though his character occasionally feels underutilized in the latter half. Abhinaya as Giri’s wife Gauri brings emotional depth to her limited screen time, while the supporting cast, including Prashanth Alexander and Sujith Shankar, effectively portrays the close-knit nature of Giri’s criminal family.
While Pani treads familiar territory in its revenge narrative, it’s the raw, unflinching treatment that sets it apart. The film excels in its technical aspects, with atmospheric cinematography and a measured background score that enhances the tension without overwhelming it. Joju’s direction shows promise in handling crowd sequences and building suspense, particularly evident in well-executed action set pieces. However, the screenplay occasionally struggles with pacing issues, and some of the graphic violence, especially in scenes of sexual assault, feels gratuitous.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of its antagonists – two seemingly ordinary young men whose actions stem not from tragic backstories but from a pure, inexplicable embrace of violence. Yet, this psychological element isn’t fully explored, leaving us with a visceral but somewhat conventional revenge thriller that relies more on its intense moments than narrative innovation.
Despite its flaws, Pani emerges as a competent directorial debut that showcases Joju George’s potential behind the camera. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers enough grit and emotional weight to keep audiences invested throughout its runtime.