2 Countries

2 Countries, a celebrated 2015 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film, boasts an impressive cast inclusion of Dileep, Mamta Mohandas, and Aju Varghese. Directed by hit-maker Shafi and produced by Rajaputra Ranjith, the film expertly balances humor, drama, and romance, delivering a package that has been universally applauded by the audiences.

As the title suggests, the narrative of the film seamlessly spans across the cultural dynamics of two different countries. The film opens with Ullas (played by the versatile Dileep), a carefree and witty man, residing in the heart of Kerala, India. Ullas' primary ambition in life revolves around the accumulation of wealth by any means possible, thus resulting in a series of hilarious scenarios that set the tone of the film early on. His life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon Laya (played by Mamta Mohandas), an Indo-Canadian woman who comes to Kerala to entrust her childhood property to Ullas due to shared familial ties.

The chemistry between Dileep and Mamta Mohandas is instantly appealing, and they recreate the magic that the duo had sparkled in their previous collaborations. Their on-screen dynamic forms their narrative arc as they navigate the cultural crossroads, each bringing their individual charms and skills to their roles. Dileep, known for his masterful portrayal of comedic characters, shocks awe into the viewers as he smoothly essays the role of a man grappling with greed, love, and cultural assimilation. Mamta Mohandas, on the other hand, expertly captures the subtleties and nuances that come with portraying a woman torn between her love and tradition.

The movie truly comes into its own when the plot shifts from the idyllic streets of Kerala to the bustling landscapes of Canada. Suddenly our ever-charming protagonist finds himself in a whirlpool of cultural shock, captivatingly symbolising the hardships of transition between two extremely different societies. As Ullas confronts the cold climate of Canada both literally and metaphorically, comedy ensues, beautifully woven into the stark reality of immigration issues.

Aju Varghese is exceptional as Avinash, Ullas' sidekick, adding humor to the narrative at the most unexpected moments with finesse. The supporting actors, all well-known figures from the Malayalam cinema, give excellent performances that complement the lead characters and add depth to the movie.

However, his escapism from his life in Kerala to the snow-capped neighborhoods of Canada speeds up when Ullas is faced with consequential events that beg him to take a crucial decision about his life. The dilemmas of Ullas's mind uncover a riveting tale which underscores how his life begins to display a stark contrast from the initial flurry of complication-filled events that were once belittled by his careless disposition. And it's safe to conclusion that the audience gets to witness Ullas grow, both as a character and a human being, through his constant tussling with his moral compass.

The vibrant cinematography beautifully captures the scenic panorama of Canada, contrasting it brilliantly with the quaint charm of Kerala. The music, composed by Gopi Sunder, complements the overall narrative, providing an auditory treat with a variation of festive, melancholic, and foot-tapping tunes.

In a nutshell, 2 Countries is a delightful journey that smoothly transitions between the hustle and bustle of Kerala and the multicultural landscape of Canada. It effectively showcases a contrasting life between these '2 countries', served with a generous dose of laughter. It speaks about love, familial bonds, cultural nuances, and the sometimes comical hardships faced by immigrants, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys lighthearted humor with life lessons tucked in.