Mura Review -  An Intense Action Drama Laced with Human Emotions!

Ashwin Ram

Mura is an action drama starring Suraj Venjaramoodu and a bunch of boys in the lead roles. The film is directed by Muhammad Musthafa, and has screenplay was written by Suresh Babu, known for the television sitcom Uppum Mulakum.

Premise:

A group of four boys who have pending arrears after their official academic years in college come in contact with Suraj Venjaramoodu to do some petty crimes. One day, he assigns them a big heist and after which all their lives turn upside down.

Writing/ Direction:

The beginning is on the lines of Aavesham and the core line has a heavy hangover of 2008 Tamil film Subramaniapuram. Yet the film manages to offer us an experience of its own, the screenplay is the biggest hit here. The initial portions are naturally captured, then moves on to the heist episode which is presented in a gripping manner with simple planning and tight implementation. The real drama begins post that, the arguments and conflicts build simultaneously in a lively way. Clever approach by the director, human emotions stay grounded while he has taken some cinematic liberty during the repercussion fights which immensely involve the audience. The pre-climax is solidly staged, the fitting finale conveys an important message for the youth without taking the preachy route and also provides that punch value. Downside there are plenty of characters with very minimal establishments and the factor deteriorates the impact, to an extent that even some faces don’t get properly registered. The twist is predictable and they could have revealed it a little earlier rather than cutting it too close till the end. Also, the friendship angle is at over-speed from the beginning, they could have at least given more time to the bonding of the Tamil boys, however the Madurai touch is an impressive one.

Performances:

Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a subtle performance, he plays that silent killer character by understanding the intent behind it. The boys excel, Hridhu Haroon in particular, their carefree body language and burning attitude get showcased perfectly on-screen. Powerful boss lady role for Parvathy Malaa, she had great importance till the last frame and she utilized it well. Such a weakly written character for the Biriyaani (2020) sensation actress Kani Kusruti, zero purpose for her presence and there wouldn’t have been any difference to have completely taken her out from the picture.

Technicalities:

Music could have been much better, had some serious scope but the output was underwhelming. Intact visuals, so many hand-held camera shots have been handled meticulously with no careless shakes. Neatly presented by the editor, a little more stay in the first act would have upped the bar for the last, still an appreciable work. Splendid efforts by the stuntmen and the perfection in executing the raw fight sequences are award-worthy. Action is one of the vital reasons why the last half an hour is so intriguing.

Bottomline

The impact would have been harder if the character establishments were not hurriedly done. Yet the conflict is solid and the scenes after that are so absorbing, plus the screenplay steadily holds the interest throughout.

Rating - 3.25/ 5