Ennum Eppozhum

Ennum Eppozhum is a heartwarming Indian Malayalam-language drama that graced the silver screen in 2015, bringing together the acting prowess of Mohanlal and Manju Warrier under the experienced direction of Sathyan Anthikad and skilled writing of Ranjan Pramod.

The film casts a gentle light on the vagaries of human connection and professionalism through its protagonist, Vineeth N Pillai, brilliantly portrayed by the celebrated Mohanlal. Pillai is a senior reporter at a leading women’s magazine named Vanitha Rathnam, owned by the millionaire Kalyani (Innocent Vareed Thekkethala). Ironically, although Pillai works for a women’s magazine, he exhibits a lack of interest in women and the general topics women are interested in. He represents the archetype of the disgruntled employee, perpetually negligent of his duties, perpetually late, and unapologetic about his procrastination habits. Pillai's laidback work ethics appear to magnify the saying 'the unlikely hero.'

However, this unproductive routine is interrupted and challenged when Kalyani decides to hire a young, ambitious and assertive woman named Deepa as the new editor, played with grit by Manju Warrier. Deepa, armed with an MBA from London, is a single mother with an organized work ethic, direct communication style, and clear vision for her new responsibility.

Under Deepa's regulation, Vineeth faces the pressure of subsistence in the job sphere. Consequently, the duo encounters a theatrical conflict, which, instead of being adversarial, leads to sharp, witty dialogues and unexpected lighter moments of comic relief, which nuances the film's narrative arc.

Deepa assigns Vineeth an article on Anjali (Reenu Mathews), a well-known advocate and social worker. The film takes a fascinating turn as Vineeth, who is accustomed to his laid-back approach, feels the immense pressure to deliver an informative and interesting article about the inspiring and vigilant Anjali.

Ennum Eppozhum cleverly employs this scenario as a window through which it explores various themes such as the clash of work cultures, the generation gap, and the intricacies of human interaction. More than being a mere plot device, Manju Warrier's character serves as a catalyst, forcing Vineeth out of his comfort zone and pushing him into an introspective journey of self-discovery. This exploration of character engenders an insightful look at the complexities of personal change and professional responsibilities.

Mohanlal's versatile performance masterfully paints Vineeth as an affable character, thus compensating for his professional flaws. His characteristic humor and effortless delivery give the film a refreshing light-hearted tone. Manju Warrier shines brightly as the strong-willed and determined Deepa, and her performance serves as a compelling complementary half to Mohanlal's Vineeth.

Innocent Vareed Thekkethala, in the role of the good-hearted millionaire Kalyani, provides an endearing presence and essential comic relief. Reenu Mathews as Anjali delivers a riveting performance, holding her own against the formidable acting talents of Mohanlal and Manju Warrier. Other support cast members lend credibility and charm to the narrative, enriching the overall viewing experience.

Under Sathyan Anthikad's expert direction, Ennum Eppozhum elegantly sidesteps melodramatic clichés and manages to churn out a film that is both meaningful and entertaining. The film's screenplay and dialogues, penned by master scriptwriter Ranjan Pramod, further accentuate the film's charm. The movie is beautifully shot with locations across the diverse urban and semi-urban areas of Kerala, effectively captured by the lens of esteemed cinematographer Neil D’Cunha.

The film's music, composed by Vidyasagar, intersperses the narrative with memorable songs that echo its central theme and the vivid moods of its characters, thereby elevating the overall ambience and emotional appeal of the movie.

Ennum Eppozhum is a well-fleshed-out drama with humor, sentiment, engaging performances, and well-crafted narrative. It merrily showcases the routine life of a laid-back journalist who undergoes a professional and personal transformation while dealing with a demanding woman boss. An ideal choice for viewers who enjoy thoughtful stories interspersed with pleasurable moments of light humor, Ennum Eppozhum is a significant addition to the quality cinema emerging from the Malayalam film industry.