Medulla Oblongata

"Medulla Oblongata" is a 2014 Malayalam movie directed by Suresh Nair. The film features an array of talented and entertaining actors such as Aavaana, Arun Benny, Jomon Joshy, and Saiju Kurup, who all deliver their best performances. Brimming with themes of friendship, life’s challenges, and sporting passion, "Medulla Oblongata" is an exciting exploration of human emotions.

The story focuses on the lives of four friends, each with their unique sets of hopes, dreams and struggles. Arun Benny’s character represents the typical youth, passionate about his dreams, but confined by societal expectations. Jomon Joshy plays the son of a wealthy businessman who must deal with the pressure of those expectations. Saiju Kurup portrays the man from the lower strata of society who dreams big despite his circumstances. Aavaana, on the other hand, plays a significant role as the woman who stands firm amidst the turbulence of these struggles and serves as a source of inspiration.

"Medulla Oblongata" is all about the passion for cricket amongst these four friends. It seeks to highlight their shared love for the sport and their dreams of making it big. This dynamic is depicted uniquely compared to most sports-related dramas. The film uses cricket as a metaphor to parallel their unique struggles, dreams, and ambitions, adding meaningful depth and intensity to the plot.

Suresh Nair deserves accolades for his excellent storytelling, as he successfully manages to weave all these characters together in a harmonious balance. The dynamics between the characters are fascinating to watch, as their bonds are tested by the trials and tribulations thrown their way. Even as they face heartbreak, misunderstandings, and failed dreams, the essence of their friendship lingers, highlighting the resilience of their relationships.

The screenplay makes no effort to hide the chaos and disorder inherent in life. Instead, these elements are cleverly used to intensify the proceedings and emphasize the struggles that the characters endure. Despite the serious undertones, the film maintains an undercurrent of humor, making it an enjoyable watch and keeping viewers hooked with its unpredictability.

The cinematography in "Medulla Oblongata" is worth mentioning, with its skillful visual storytelling. The compelling camera angles and the crisp editing style manage to keep the audience engaged throughout the movie, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Moreover, the music and the background score mingle perfectly with the story, enhancing the storytelling without overpowering it.

Performance-wise, all the actors have done justice to their roles. Their on-screen chemistry feels believable and natural, which lends a realistic touch to the movie. The character development is well-executed, with each character facing unique challenges and dealing with them in their ways, thus showcasing the diverse yet interconnected nature of human lives.

Aavaana, as the only female lead, shines in her role, providing the much-needed relief amongst the high-stakes drama. Her vibrant performance offers a contrast to the male leads, as she proves her mettle in handling emotional scenes with class, bringing out the strength and resilience of her character brilliantly.

"Medulla Oblongata" is more than just a sports drama; it is a robust story about passion, dreams, friendships, and life’s unexpected turns. It touches many chords of emotions and leaves the audience with a lot to ponder about. It is a commendable effort by Suresh Nair and his team for crafting such an engaging and layered narrative with striking performances.