Abrahaminte Santhathikal movie review: A tepid thriller with its moments

Cast: Mammootty, Anson Paul, Tharushi, Siddique, Kalabhavan Shajon, Maqbool Salmaan, Sudev Nair, Yogi Japee
Director: Shaji Padoor

Abrahaminte Santhathikal can be best described as a mixture of fighting, style and sentiments topped off with a smattering of punchy dialogues and jokes. It begins as a crime thriller in which a serial killer is on a mission to kill 10 atheists. He justifies the murders quoting verses from the Bible and we think the investigating officer Derick Abraham (Mammootty) is there to catch the killer. As we start comprehending the nuances of the case and pondering all possible findings, Derick catches the murderer (Sudev Nair), leaving us wondering about the next part.

As we sit there ruminating over past scenes, the story fasts forward to three years and we see a devastated Derick (Mammootty in a different getup) trying to meet his brother in jail, but his brother doesn’t like that. Well, it is a new story altogether. Then onwards, the movie takes a new tone – it becomes an ‘emotional thriller’. There is crime, but it is targeted at Derick. The movie is more intriguing in the second half compared to its first leg, which has a lot of loose ends. But, it has a good climax. The way the climax is narrated is the only interesting part in the movie.

Mammootty, as usual, excels at playing the stylish cop. Though strong enough to single-handedly confront a thug gang, he is also flawed and emotional. The fight sequences will enthrall his fans. He has done justice to the character. Anson Paul is another person who needs mention. He has a prominent character. The movie is rich with a lot of good talents like Siddique, Renji Panicker, Yogi, Kalabhavan Shajon and Tarushi.

Abrahaminte Santhathikal has a few good songs too. The background music by Gopi Sundar is good, but is too loud in certain portions. Alby’s camera tries to please our eyes with some stunning aerial shots, especially when it rains. It is a visual treat, but the audience cannot be blamed if they wonder how those panoramic views really enhance the narrative. Had the movie been trimmed a bit more, it could have been a clearer experience.