Aavesham Review: A Kickass FaFa Kidnaps This Wobbly Gangster Comedy
Jithu Madhavan’s Aavesham is a film that masterfully balances comedy and mass, with a narrative that is both entertaining and unpredictable. The movie’s first half is an epic male fantasy, set in predominantly male spaces such as boys’ hostels, desolate shopping malls, and seedy bars. Women are conspicuously absent from the narrative, and this deliberate choice adds to the film’s unique charm.
The plot revolves around three college freshmen who move to Bangalore and find themselves at the mercy of an annoying college senior. In their quest for revenge, they befriend a dreaded gangster, Ranga, played by the inimitable Fahadh Faasil. Ranga’s intro scene is a masterclass in balancing comedy and mass, with a hundred tiny moving pieces coming together to create the desired effect.
The first half of the film is a slow burn, with Jithu Madhavan taking his time to set up the narrative. The pacing is deliberate, and the film’s tone is established through a series of random moments that contribute to the epic moment the first half is written around. The three boys’ journey from one bar to another, as they try to get close to Ranga, is both hilarious and engaging.
Ranga’s character is a revelation, with Fahadh Faasil bringing depth and nuance to the role. The film subverts every scene you’d imagine in a gangster comedy, including Ranga’s origin story. The character gets two backstories, one that’s meant to be taken as a joke and another that is far more serious and emotional. This duality adds complexity to Ranga’s character, making him more than just a foolish gangster.
One of the standout scenes in the film is a phone call Ranga receives, with a ringtone that’s a nod to the mother’s theme from KGF. What starts as a joke slowly reveals Ranga’s emotional core, making him a more relatable and human character. The film’s ability to balance humor and emotion is a testament to Jithu Madhavan’s skill as a writer and director.
However, the second half of the film loses some of the energy and focus that made the first half so engaging. The narrative becomes more predictable, and the jokes start to feel forced. The song ‘Galatta’ overstays its welcome, and the film’s pacing suffers as a result.
It takes the film a good half hour to get back into its groove, with a hilarious sequence revolving around a game of dumb charades and Ranga’s obsession with it. After this, the jokes flow freely again, and the film doesn’t try too hard to force drama into a narrative that is predominantly written around its comedic set pieces.
Fahadh Faasil takes over the film in the second half, with Sajin Gopu providing able support. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and they elevate the film’s humor and emotional quotient.
In conclusion, Aavesham is a film that is greater than the sum of its parts. Jithu Madhavan’s writing and direction are noteworthy, and Fahadh Faasil’s performance is a highlight. While the film’s second half is a bit of a letdown, the overall experience is engaging and entertaining. If you’re a fan of gangster comedies, Aavesham is a must-watch.
