Dear Rajesh Nair,
your film Salt Mango Tree is another one of those pleasantly average and somewhat uplifting Malayalam movies that are released every week. The film offers nothing new in terms of characterization or structure. So you have the typical bumbling and goofy Malayali characters trying to make ends meet and give their son a decent education. They are surrounded by similarly goofy characters who are all good at heart!
But the film's subject matter is about something that's actually quite depressing - the increasing pressure on small kids to get admission in "reputed schools" in the face of overpopulation and corruption in the primary education system.
Your film is also quite politically incorrect as it is quite honest about the changing power equations in Kerala defined by the Catholic clergy's clout over primary education. Though ultimately the film shows that the parents with the cash gets their kids admitted into these schools.
Biju Menon and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli deliver decent performances without being exceptional. It is one of those films that does not aspire to rise above a certain level.
Anyway, it is sad that Malayali filmmakers have to wrap movies about depressing stuff with the allure of comedy. Anything to fill the seats I guess.
Best Regards, Pimpin.
(5/10)
your film Salt Mango Tree is another one of those pleasantly average and somewhat uplifting Malayalam movies that are released every week. The film offers nothing new in terms of characterization or structure. So you have the typical bumbling and goofy Malayali characters trying to make ends meet and give their son a decent education. They are surrounded by similarly goofy characters who are all good at heart!
But the film's subject matter is about something that's actually quite depressing - the increasing pressure on small kids to get admission in "reputed schools" in the face of overpopulation and corruption in the primary education system.
Your film is also quite politically incorrect as it is quite honest about the changing power equations in Kerala defined by the Catholic clergy's clout over primary education. Though ultimately the film shows that the parents with the cash gets their kids admitted into these schools.
Biju Menon and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli deliver decent performances without being exceptional. It is one of those films that does not aspire to rise above a certain level.
Anyway, it is sad that Malayali filmmakers have to wrap movies about depressing stuff with the allure of comedy. Anything to fill the seats I guess.
Best Regards, Pimpin.
(5/10)