Ann Maria Kalippilanu movie review: Ann Maria's angelic' journey

Cast: Sara Arjun, Sunny Wayne, Aju Varghese, Siddique, Shine Tom Chacko, Saiju Kurup

Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

The first impression that one gets while reading the title Ann Maria Kalippilanu is that the movie is about an angry girl. Of course, Ann Maria, the title character played by Daivathirumagal-fame Sara Arjun, is irritated about certain twists and turns in her life. However, she is not as angry as one would assume. The movie is rather an angelic journey of Ann Maria towards fulfilling her dream. It is a good attempt by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the director.

Daughter of a doctor-couple played by Saiju Kurup and Leona Lishoy, Ann Maria befriends a fraudster enacted by Sunny Wayne for a reason. And, that forms the crux of the movie.

The plot of Ann Maria Kalippilanu is not new; we have had movies from the perspective of children in the past. Hence, at many points, the audience can predict the next move. The writer has tried to make up for that with humour, which has in fact worked. There are scenes where the audience burst into laughter. For instance, there is one situation where the popular 20th Century Fox theme music is played during a fight sequence to bring a comic relief.

The movie chooses an emotional path in the second half. Siddique’s character plays a crucial role in fuelling the emotional quotient. However, it follows a predictable course that includes how the divorce of parents affects a child. Ann Maria… also takes a look at child psychology, like how elders’ conversations influence kids. It shows the innocence of childhood. However, it looks like it’s time for the filmmakers to switch from the voice over narrative mode to something new.

When it comes to christening the characters, Midhun has adopted the same ‘quirky names style’ used in his previous film Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu. The Poompatta Girish and Ambros duo enacted by Sunny Wayne and Aju Varghese keeps the pace of humour in the first half. The movie explored a new side of the actor in Sunny, which deserves a thumbs up. Aju, as usual, played his sidekick role pretty well. John Kaippallil, who dons the role of villain, will grow as a promising actor if moulded correctly. Shine Tom Chacko shines in his small yet powerful appearance. Dulquer’s cameo lifts the energy of the movie that has captured the beauty of the locations neatly.

However, the kiddies outshine all. Not only Sara Arjun but other kids, too, have shown justice to their roles. In a nutshell, Ann Maria Kalippilanu is a feel-good, cute movie that can be enjoyed by those who have a child within them.