Pathemaari

Movie: Pathemaari Director: Salim Ahmad Cast: Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Jewel Mary,

Director Salim Ahmad, who made a superb Adaminte Makan Abu and a forgettable Kunjananthante Kada, narrates the travails of a Gulf Malayali in Pathemaari. Pallikkal Narayanan (Mammootty), who had the responsibilities of his family on his shoulders, goes to the Gulf in a pathemaari (sloop) some decades back. He lives there in modest surroundings but at the same time, he manages to take care of his siblings and his family. As years pass by, even his wife Nalini (Jewel Mary) is worried when Narayanan says he is ending his life as an expatriate. But as it happens to most of those who sweat it out to make their loved ones happy, Narayanan returns to his dormitory type room in the desert land, which he shares with a few others, who also have similar stories to narrate. No two ways about it, this one is the story of many amongst us. It’s the real life picture of those who selflessly toil it out in the Gulf with dreams that they want to fulfill after making their family happy. There are some terrific moments that come at times for sure, but one gets a feeling that the narration becomes too superficial. In fact, nothing much is being offered to the viewer that we haven’t heard before in those stories about the Gulf Malayalis. If we have come across similar stories as sub-plots in earlier films, here it becomes a 110 minute long film. Salim Ahmad travels a journey that is mostly predictable and melodramatic. It’s tailor made for those who are addicted to those tearjerkers in TV. For the rest of the world, it becomes enjoyable thanks to its leading man, Mammootty. In one of his most hard-hitting performances during recent times, it is Mammootty who carries the story ahead with amazing honesty. It is a treat to watch the hero, who portrays the character in a dedicated manner.  The supporting cast of the film should be appreciated too, especially Siddique, Sreenivasan and Joy Mathew. Jewel Mary, who plays Mammootty’s wife, however maintains a single expression throughout the film. Pathemaari chronicles the life of noble man, who finds satisfaction in living for others. It’s a fine film with limited surprises. Watch this one for Mammootty, who is in terrific form!