Movie - 37, Charlie

Charlie (2015)

by

Martin Prakkatt

Movie Seen: 26 Dec 2015; 28 Dec 2015; 11 Jan 2016

Places: Abhilash, Mukkam; Kairali, Thrissur; PVR Forum, Hyderabad

Note Written: 18 January 2016

'Charlie' was a highly anticipated movie and I was a little skeptical about watching it because of the hype that was created (mostly by fans associations), but I trusted the director and went forward to watch it. I have watched it thrice already now and I can definitely say that Charlie is an experience which deserves a 'watching-twice' at least; it's another addition to quality new Malayalam cinema. Martin Prakkat has really made a gem out of the Unni R script. 

'Charlie' has a very entertaining mix of realism, escapist movie drama, and fantasy. At times you question the motive of the the plot and the director with a particular scene, but you get a satisfactory explanation later and you ponder over it and find more interesting stuff, that is if you liked the movie, I guess. I can't speak for everyone. 

The movie doesn't really belong anywhere–it transgresses boundaries refreshingly – just like the protagonist, Charlie (Dulquar Salman). Charlie is a figure of today, an ideal goal, for of the youth of today - he is free from responsibilities, there is nothing particular holding him back anywhere, he is kind, he is cute, he is heroic, he is enigmatic, he's not on any specific mission other than enjoy and embrace his life to the fullest. 

Tessa's (Parvathy) search for Charlie through various accounts from people is how we come to know him. Tessa is no much different from Charlie as well and her interest in Charlie sprouts and grows from he same reason. Tessa is in a quest to find herself and find 'life' and she develops that spirit in the process of finding Charlie. Parvathy has done a splendid job portraying Tessa. I felt jealous of her and Charlie, the free birds, felt like leading a life like them, and that is where 'Charlie' clicks with people like me. 

There have been many readings outside and instances within the film, where one can compare Charlie to a 'Jesus Christ' like figure. This is an intentional touch given by the scriptwriter, classic Unni R approach to stories, combining myth and reality, giving certain mystery to the characters and events. The 'theif' character (Soubin Shabir), the fisherman (Chemban Vinod), the prostitute 'Mary' (Kalpana), and even the lamb in the beginning of the film, when you think of it, are evident associations to characters in Jesus' story. The particular scenes and characters have their subtlety too as well which works well with the enigma surrounding the Charlie, the crux of the story. 

Other things that should be mentioned, that makes the film what it is, are Jomon T John's visuals, Jayasree Lakshmi Narayan's art direction (such stunning work she did in 'Double Barrel'!), Gopi Sundar's refreshing music (Sundaripenne & Akale being my favourites, also the sufi and saxophone bit from Pularikalo), and Sameera Sanish's costumes. They have successfully made the vision true of the director and scriptwriter. Fort Kochi and its people have never looked more appealing; Thrissur Pooram was stunning as well, even though in reality you can hardly spot girls attending the Pooram, unless they are visiting tourists or something!

Overall, Charlie was a delightful experience and I will sure watch it again, given the chance.