The Rainmaker

Movie : Robinnhood
Language : Malayalam
Theater : Padma
Date : 24th Sep, 2009 - Thursday

Review
Youthful energy has always been captivating and energizing and when it happens in Malluwood, where it has been always lacking in the recent years, it can be refreshing as well.
Joshiy's new movie 'Robinnhood' (thats how it spells in the title) tries to ride the wave of youth on the back of an interesting ATM Robbery scam. 'Robinnhood' tries to be what you call in quintessential terms a 'youthful time pass flick' and mix high tech robbery to it. The percentage to which the movie has succeeded, lies in the territory of being debatable.

Youth Trio Gone Sour
During the first 15-20 minutes of 'Robinnhood', you feel that its almost like the 3 pronged clash that you famously loved in Joshiy's last 20-20. And it makes you feel happy because Joshiy is quite good at that and these youthful stars were missing anyways from the previous version. But sadly it doesn't last for long. Jayasurya is sidelined in a role which is a police officer who comes and goes once in a while. Its not a worthwhile role for him. The movie is a two way story between Prithviraj and Naren for most parts. We can safely say that 'Jayasurya is wasted' in this role.
The movie cannot boast of one decisive superlative lead actor performance. Prithviraj is good and has amazing screen presence. He is the hero of the movie but he doesn't run away with it as in 'Puthiya Mugham'.Naren is having almost an equal footing as Prithviraj puts in a unexpectedly competent performance but he neither is the clincher performance as well. They both relish amidst each other and as longs as they are chasing each other, the movie interests you.

A Good First Half
'Robinnhood' promises a lot in the first half. Its a logically well explained ATM Robbery story with technology part of it shown beautifully. Joshiy needs pat on the back for the depiction of the technical robbery. Until the interval, Prithviraj and Naren are hunting for each other and the movie keeps you glued to your seats. The interval point though not a high point is also fine.

Average Second Half
As the movie unfurls after the interval, things start to go downhill. The script takes the predictable route to justify the robbery done by the protagonist, with a much clichéd 'PAST' episode. And soon, twists become predictable. Movie completely moves in to its lowest points when Naren no longer hunts Prithviraj but starts saving him for the 'friendship'. So, it turns in to the usual one villain bashing end but the climax episode is cleverly planned and shown on screen, to say the least.

The Saviour
There is only one Saviour for 'Robinnhood' and thats undoubtedly Joshiy. He keeps you hooked for at least 70% of the movie and needs applause for the same. The way he has portrayed the technical portions of the robbery needs praise. The two character play and behind the back hunt between Prithviraj and Naren also needs applause. To be a veteran and yet to be up to date with a techno savvy movie, deserves kudos.

Music - The Downer
But how you would wish that Joshiy had some better music sense. From the moment you see 'M.Jayachandran' for the music credits in the opening, you smell foul. In such a hep youthful theme that is the last thing you would want to do. And that is what exactly happens. None of the 3 tracks are even average. The Caribbean Salsa party song (Sa Mosa) is the worst you would have heard of that kind.
Deepak Dev showed you how good music can lift an average movie with 'Puthiya Mugham'. Watch 'Robinnhood' to understand the reverse. There is not even a decent signature tune for the 'Prince of Thieves'. Youthful hep techno movie with no good music, now thats what you call a 'downer'!

Of the rest of the cast, Bhavana is for eye candy. Samvratha does the second heroine as usual. Biju Menon is his usual self. Jayasurya would have been fine not doing this one.

To Sum it all up, 'Robinnhood' has an impressive first half and an average second half. As long as the hunt lasts, its interesting but soon the 'justification from the past' arrives in the most clichéd set up.Climax is well arranged.

Verdict - 3.25 / 5 as a RATING
'ABOVE AVERAGE ENTERTAINER' as an opinion

Robinnhood - 'The Prince of Thieves who couldn't steal the hearts'.