Cast: Antony Varghese, Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod Jose
Director: Tinu Pappachan
This has been one of the most awaited films of Antony Varghese, who enlivened the character Vincent Pepe in Angamaly Diaries. In Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil, Antony has matured as an actor. He has got style and the actor has shown justice to his character Jacob, who lands in jail following an encounter. The rest of the movie shows how he plans a shrewd jailbreak with his mates including Simon (Vinayakan) and Devassy (Chemban). The movie begins slowly and picks up pace at the middle of the first half. From there, it flows freely in tune with the twists and turns. If you look at the storyline and the escape plan of thieves, they are not new. Wonderful movies have been made on jailbreak before. But the way Dileep Nair has penned Swathanthryam… and Tinu Pappachan executed it are pretty appealing. It is arranged neatly, except in a few scenes, where the movie drags a bit.
Dileep deserves praise for aptly placing each character, be it hero, sidekick or villain, at the right spot, giving ample time and space in between. For instance, the moment we feel Samson takes the lead, he is taken away from the plot for a while so that Jacob gets his space. But he returns even strongly, at the right time and space and the whole energy of the movie skyrockets. The twist at the end is surprising. And, it gives the movie a good climax. We have seen Chemban as a thief before and as usual he has done his best with quick wits and gestures. Through the characters, Swathanthryam... also sheds light on the life inside a jail — interaction between police and inmates, certain understandings, gangs, fights, unsaid rules — everything is there.
The movie’s technical aspects have played a crucial role in keeping the film visually engaging. Special mention is needed for camera, music and editing. Girish Gangadharan’s camera absorbs the characters’ emotions. He has brought in some visually appealing angles such as depicting one scene through Jacob’s eyeballs. It is an emotional scene and we see it in his eyes. It gives the feeling of watching it through the eyes of Jacob. The tunnel shots and rain sequences too are pleasing. The music is subtle and deep. Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil has got style. It will keep you engaged till the end.
