Aadu

Aadu (2015) is an offbeat Malayalam comedy film that takes us on a rib-tickling journey filled with colorful characters, unforeseen circumstances, and a goat named 'Pinky' as an unexpected lead character. With director Midhun Manuel Thomas at its helm having also credited for writing the superb plot, this movie stands out in its genre. Jayasurya, Saiju Kurup, Dharmajan Bolgatty shine their own way through this ensemble cast, where each character is crafted with so much detail that they offer a distinct flavor to the overall narrative.

The story initially follows the adventure of a ragtag amateur local cricket team called 'Winners Pothanikkadu', captained by the lovable yet clueless Shaji Pappan (Jayasurya), whose character is the epitome of comedic absurdity. The team unexpectedly wins a cricket tournament only to receive a she-goat, Pinky, as the prize instead of the coveted cash prize they were hoping for. Shaji Pappan and his team are frustrated with their prize, and they attempt to get rid of Pinky which lands them in unforeseen situations causing much chaos and laugher.

They soon encounter rival gangs, police and a pseudo spiritual guru each vying for Pinky due to different reasons. Members of the team, including Shaji Pappan's right-hand man, Arakkal Abu (Saiju Kurup), along with other characters like 'Dude' (Vijay Babu) and 'Satan Xavier' (Sunny Wayne), all get entangled in the madness revolving around Pinky. Throughout the course of the film, the she-goat becomes a symbol of ridicule, conflict, and ultimate redemption for the motley crew, taking the viewers on a tumultuous yet hilarious journey.

What stands out in the film is the intricate interweaving of a robust plot with situational comedy, interesting characters and the ever unpredictability of events set in the backdrop of rural Kerala's societal fabric. The director has shown great acumen in not using the cliched slapstick comedy, rather in harnessing the humour that is situational, dialogue-driven and is raised from characters' idiosyncrasies.

An integral part of the film is its music and sound effects that seamlessly blend with its rural setting and comic narrative, rendered beautifully by Shaan Rahman. The visual aesthetics of the movie bring the authentic essence of Kerala’s countryside, its people and their culture, enhancing the overall comedic experience for the audience.

Jayasurya as the naive and innocent Shaji Pappan delivers a memorable performance, brilliantly showcasing his versatility as an actor. The variety of expressions he brings into the scenes embodies hilarity and innocence simultaneously, making his character relatable and loved by the audience.

Supporting characters played by Saiju Kurup, Dharmajan Bolgatty and others also chip in with their extraordinary performances, adding layers and depth to the plot. Each character, even the sidekicks, gets their moment to stand out adding to the overall ensemble humour and chaos. Vijay Babu as 'Dude' is exceptional with his comic timing and brings in a unique whimsical layer to the storyline.

Truly, the film Aadu is an ensemble comedy, where each character contributes and builds up the narrative. Although the movie did not do well at the box office upon its initial release, its unique blend of comedy, quirky characters and gripping storyline attracted a cult following, which resulted in its recognition as a comedy classic in Malayalam cinema.

Having a blend of situational and character-driven comedy, exploration of the ordinary lives of rural Kerala folk, and an unexpected narrative, Aadu is indeed a testament to unconventional storytelling in Indian cinema. It is an absolute treat for those who seek a hearty laugh with an interesting storyline and for those who relish the eccentric, unpredictable, outlandish comedy with compelling performances from its lead and supporting cast.