Review: While thrillers seem to be the go-to genre in the Malayalam industry these days, Michael’s Coffee House tries to do more by including intense family dramas.
Vincent (Dheeraj Denny) and Jasmine (Margret Antony) are good friends, and she also wants to take the relationship further and marry him, but it’s not something he seems willing to do. Also, he seems too busy with work, which upsets Jasmine.
Michael’s Coffee Shop is a favorite in town for young and old, and the couple are regulars here. It is there that Vincent meets Uncle Sam (Mohan Sharma), a jovial and lively personality, whose children are abroad. One day, Sam is found dead in his room. While the police deem it a natural death, the thriller unfolds when Vincent asks his attorney father (Renji Panicker) to file public interest litigation to get to the bottom of the case. And he is carrying out an investigation parallel to that of the police.
Jisso Jose’s powerful script keeps the audience in suspense, which pairs well with family ties and emotions, including Vincent’s parents, who remain separated, but are not divorced. There is a lag in places, but overall the script is engaging. Sharat Shaji’s camera work is good, especially in Ninchile Chillayil’s song sequence. Nikhil Venu’s editing is sharp, especially with the sharp camera movements, which match the suspense elements.
First director Anil Philip did justice, as did the actors, especially Renji Panicker and Seetha as Vincent’s mother. Dheeraj Denny looks like a good young talent; his acting is effortless and he has a boy-next-door charm and dimpled good looks. Margaret also handled her emotional role well. Jins Bhaskar as the cop leading the investigation is impressive and holds up. The smaller characters, played by Mohan Sharma, Rony David, Sphadikam George and Pradeep Kottayam also played their part well.
The songs are hummable and appropriate to the situation. Ninjile Chillayil, sung by KS Harishankar and Nithya Mammen, is soothing. The action scenes directed by Ashraf Gurukkal were thrilling and Dheeraj matches the action scenes well with his height and physique – not a six pack but a lean body.
The film is a watchable family entertainer with exciting elements.
-V Vinod Nair
