Grand ideas often look good on paper, yet they come with the risk of massive failure. One of the grand ideas at the center of Grrr is making Mojo, a real lion, act. The other is attempting to extract humor from a survival scenario, for this film was branded as a ‘survival comedy’, whatever that means. It could probably be challenging for the audience to survive this comedy of errors.
The storyline of Grrr revolves around Rejimon (Kunchacko Boban), who jumps into the lion’s enclosure in a zoo after his girlfriend Rachana (Anagha) fails to turn up on the day they are supposed to elope and marry. This action is not born out of a suicidal impulse but rather from his drunken stupor. Bizarrely, it is also an attempt to prove his bravery to the girl who questioned his courage to confront her politician father and his goons. The plot thickens when the zoo guard (Suraj Venjaramoodu), dealing with his own set of familial troubles, also becomes a victim of Rejimon’s thoughtless act.
The marketing of Grrr promised a unique blend of survival drama and comedy, a promise that added an extra layer of curiosity around the movie. However, this inventive blend appears to be less about innovation and more about confusion. Filmmaker Jay K, who debuted with the moderately impressive horror film Ezra, seems to have taken a several-notch decline with Grrr. The film, unfortunately, has very few redeeming qualities. Considering the limited budgets of Malayalam cinema, the animatronics and VFX work involved in filming a real lion and seamlessly blending it with the performance of real actors must have been a monumental task. However, the efforts, regrettably, seem to go in vain.
From disjointed scenes to humor that falls flat, the film struggles to find its footing. The uninspiring background score adds to the woes. Moreover, an attempt is made to infuse politics and caste dynamics into the narrative. This effort turns out to be half-hearted and thus ineffective, coming off as more of a distraction than a meaningful addition to the storyline.
. The movie meanders aimlessly between the lion’s den and the high-decibel televised drama outside, making it increasingly difficult for viewers to stay engaged.
One of the significant missteps of the film is the humor that stems from the goof-ups of the authorities. These elements of comic relief seem forced and fail to deliver the intended laughs. The talented cast, which includes notable actors like Kunchacko Boban and Suraj Venjaramoodu, appear to be going through the motions, with their acting skills not utilized to their full potential.
For instance, Rejimon’s character is introduced with motivations that are more perplexing than compelling. His decision to jump into a lion’s den in a drunken attempt to prove his bravery and win his girlfriend back is neither logical nor endearing. As the movie progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that his plight is not enough to sustain a film that lacks a strong script or direction.
The zoo guard’s subplot, though meant to add depth to the narrative, ends up being an unnecessary distraction. His personal family troubles add a layer of drama that distracts from the central survival scenario, making the film feel overcrowded with half-baked ideas. The presence of the lion, Mojo, which was meant to be a unique selling point, is underwhelming due to the lack of a solid narrative that could tie all these elements together cohesively.
Also, the effort to make a political commentary through the inclusion of caste dynamics feels superficial. This aspect of the story is introduced but never explored with the depth or seriousness it requires, rendering it ineffective and somewhat jarring against the backdrop of the survival comedy. Its inclusion feels more like an afterthought than a well-integrated part of the storyline.
In conclusion, Grrr ends up as a forgettable attempt at blending the survival drama and comedy genres. Despite the ambitious premise and the potential of its unique elements, the film falters due to its weak script, disjointed scenes, ineffective humor, and an uninspiring background score. The poor lion, Mojo, deserved better than the muddled narrative and half-hearted execution. For viewers seeking a coherent narrative and engaging storyline, Grrr is unfortunately a letdown. Malayalam cinema has produced some gems, but this film falls short of the mark, making it a regrettable cinematic experience for the audience.
