When the film “Pani,” starring Joju George, opens with a brutal murder happening in broad daylight, it sets the stage for a story that promises to be gripping. The expectation with such an opening scene is that this heinous act will serve as the central pivot around which the entire plot will unfold. Yet, in an intriguing twist, the film actually kicks into high gear due to a seemingly minor scuffle at a supermarket later that day. It is here that the two inexperienced murderers, Don (played by Sagar Surya) and Siju (V.P. Junaiz), find themselves entangled in an altercation that significantly alters their course.
As the narrative progresses towards this supermarket incident, audiences can observe that these two men, novices in the realm of crime, have undergone a metamorphosis. Having just completed their first hit, the excitement and adrenaline of their newfound life seem to have intoxicated them, propelling them headlong into a world without retreat. The small taste of blood has awakened something primal within, morphing them from potential prey into predators. But, unsuspected by them, their paths cross with Giri (Joju George), a key figure within a powerful mafia syndicate reigning over Thrissur city—a convergence that seals their fate.
In his dual debut role as screenwriter and director, Joju George leverages the entire narrative of “Pani” on this distinct psychological mindset that influences every action of Don and Siju. While on the surface, “Pani” appears to follow a typical revenge storyline, it is the unpredictable and volatile nature of the lead characters that keeps the viewers on edge. This film skillfully illustrates a reality where no one is impervious; every fortress can be breached, and the mighty can easily be toppled, a dynamic that the two protagonists are astutely aware of.
. One of them wryly notes that they can easily observe the influential syndicate, even as they themselves remain unnoticed by this mighty adversary.
Simultaneously, the film paints an intricate picture of the inner workings of the mafia syndicate. Through subtle storytelling, viewers sense the camaraderie and history shared by the members who came together during college and have remained a close-knit unit. Characters portrayed by actors such as Prashanth Alexander, Bobby Kurian, Sujith Sankar, and Abhaya Hiranmayi represent this syndicate, exuding a comfort with one another that is born out of years of shared experiences. Furthermore, the deep relationship between Giri and his partner Gowri (played by Abhinaya) is handled deftly in a handful of scenes, adding an emotional layer that enriches the unfolding drama.
The mafia’s domain is represented as an operation with a calm surface, structured enough to allocate the dirty work to their numerous minions scattered throughout the city. With key connections, including their cousin Kalyani (Chandini Sreedharan) serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police, they maintain a veneer of respectability, posing as builders and real estate magnates. Although clearly involved in their fair share of criminal activities, the film artfully orchestrates the narrative to make viewers empathetic towards them, almost to the point of rooting for their success.
Joju George’s control as both writer and director is commendable, as he crafts events to unfold with near-perfect pacing and suspense. The tension heightens well before the climax, with an exhilarating car chase set to thrill audiences before delivering an even more explosive finale. However, it’s worth noting that the film’s graphic depictions of gore might be overwhelming for some viewers, and the inclusion of explicit scenes of sexual violence, used as yet another pretext for revenge, are unnecessary and somewhat disappointing in their reliance on a trope seen too often in cinema.
In summary, Joju George’s “Pani” emerges as a sanguinary yet captivating exploration of interpersonal conflict and raw ambition, proving engaging despite adhering to the classic elements of a vengeance narrative at its core. As the film continues its run in theatres, it stands as a testament to Malayalam cinema’s ability to blend traditional storytelling with fresh, exciting perspectives.
