Once upon a time, Malayalam cinema was the story hub for South Indian films but now the trend has changed so dramatically that we see Malayalam directors taking up decade-old stories from other languages, all in search of that elusive hit.

Panthayakozhi, directed by M A Venu and starring Narain, is one such attempt where gory fights end with chopped limbs and songs popping up at regular intervals.

This is the story of a happy-go-lucky man, Nandu (Narain) thrown into a situation that changes his life: conflicts he has to overcome, falling in love and fighting for his mother and sister. But in the midst of all of this, he also finds time to dance!

Screenplay by Jose Pallassery turns the basic story (credited to the director himself) into a complicated turn of events. But the pace is good and the events move fast enough. 

As the plot moves forward, we find fear of demons and spirits, which is solved in a comical manner, a monstrous local leader who wants to chase our hero out of the place and finally the climax.

Narain in his 'I can handle everything' kind of role is convincing. The rest of the cast, which includes Cochin Haneefa, Anoop Chandran, Sudheesh, Indrans and Lal (the producer himself) do not get enough face time on the screen.

Of the three leading ladies, Pooja in her Malayalam debut does a good job. Geetha as the mother is efficient while Remya Nambeesan as the dumb sister has little scope to show her acting prowess.

Poor subject matter is the downfall of the film.

Rediff rating: