Achayans

Achayans is a rib-tickling, pulse-pounding, multi-star Malayalam entertainer movie released in the year 2017. The movie, that enjoys a star-studded cast including the versatile actor Jayaram, the emblematic villain Prakash Raj, the heart-throb Unni Mukundan, and the enchanting Adil Ibrahim, and directed by veteran director Kannan Thamarakkulam, is a unique brew of comedy, suspense, and drama designed to keep audiences engaged and entertained from start to finish.

As the movie's title suggests, 'Achayans' refers to a cool and affluent group of young men. The story centres around four rich and frivolous youngsters who go by the names of Tony, Prakash, Aby, and Reji, played respectively by Unni Mukundan, Adil Ibrahim, Sanju Sivram, and Sshivada. Jayaram plays the flamboyant character of a psychiatrist, who sports a slick hairdo and stylish sunglasses. Along with these four, there are two efficient and dashing police officers played by Prakash Raj and Siddique.

The movie begins with the 'Achayans' setting out to enjoy a friend's wedding in Theni. The story takes a dramatic turn when they decide to turn their journey into a fun-filled, adventurous trip to Thommankuthu - a popular waterfall destination in Kerala. What should have been a light-hearted journey of friendly banter and scenic beauty, suddenly takes a dark, enigmatic turn when they encounter a certain woman in the forest, who instantly changes the course of their trip.

Packed with suspense, the movie's plot thickens as the merry-band of brothers unravel mysterious incidents happening in the secluded forest, involving unknown characters, all the while encountering dangerous situations themselves. There is a healthy infusion of comedy, ensuring the narrative doesn't get too dark or intense.

Jayaram, who plays the role of a psychiatrist named Jimi, is the prime character who uncovers the hidden mysteries, using his wit, psychological prowess, and keen observation. In contrast, Prakash Raj, in the role of a police officer, adds a serious tenor to the film, balancing the comic antics of the 'Achayans'. Unni Mukundan, Adil Ibrahim, Sanju Sivram, and Sshivada impress with their performances as they depict the transformation from carefree youth to young men caught in a mystery they never signed up for.

'Achayans' not only offers the perfect blend of suspense, drama, and comedy, but it also adds a dash of music and romance, making it an all-round entertainer. There are peppy numbers that keep the momentum going. The picturesque locales of Theni and Thommankuthu, beautifully captured in the cinematography, provide a visual treat that adds depth to the narrative.

A noteworthy feature of 'Achayans' is its strong female characters. The movie features Anu Sithara, Prayaga Martin, and Amala Paul, who bring in charm, mystery, and layers to the film, providing it with an intricate texture. Each plays a crucial role in driving the drama and suspense further.

Achayans' brilliance lies in its seamless blend of comedy, suspense, and a little bit of romance, ensuring a generously enjoyable cinematic experience for its audiences. Despite dealing with a mystery, the film maintains a light-hearted tone, thank to the comic timing and hilarious interplay between the characters, rendering it a refreshing, enjoyable watch.

While the film does borrow tropes from various genres, including comedy, thriller, and mystery, it interlaces them in such a way to strike a chord with viewers, offering something intriguingly different from the usual fare.

Director Kannan Thamarakkulam, known for his knack in managing multi-star cast films, efficiently leverages the best out of each character, making 'Achayans' a must-watch for those who enjoy comedy-thrillers with a dash of suspense. The strong performances of the ensemble cast, coupled with an exciting narrative and intriguing plot twists, make 'Achayans' a suspenseful, comedic roller-coaster that keeps audiences gripped to their seats, right till the end.