Monsoon Mangoes

Monsoon Mangoes, a 2016 Indian Malayalam language comedy-drama film, takes you on a hilarious as well as emotional journey where dreams meet reality. Written and directed by Abi Varghese, this film beautifully amalgamates subtle comedy with poignant life lessons. The movie acts as a brilliant platform for showcasing the versatile acting talents of Fahadh Faasil, Vijay Raaz, and Vinay Forrt.

The film commences with D.P Pallikkal, the leading man splendidly portrayed by Fahadh Faasil. Pallikkal is a charming young man living in the United States whose aspiration surpasses the average, he craves for a life in the film industry, more specifically, he wishes to become a film director. But his dream is not merely to churn out typical commercial films, instead, he yearns to create a film that can be lauded as a classic work of art. His potential for dreaming doesn't end with his ambitions; he also plans to helix his film around the legendary actor Prem Kumar, an icon that resides only in his fantasy.

To turn his dream into reality, he assembles a crew comprising of all sorts of endearing and colourful characters from his local community. Among them is Fahadh Faasil's 'D.P Pallikkal', a man consumed by his right to fulfill his dreams, and has no room for failure. With his head filled.

This is where Vijay Raaz enters the picture. Playing the character of the washed-up drunkard actor, Prakash, he is coaxed by Pallikkal to become a part and play a role in his film. The ease and comedy that Vijay brings on-screen is a delight, lifting the film’s oomph. His character in the film resonates air of nonchalance that addresses many serenades of life, regrets being one of them. It’s truly an intriguing and humorous role that Raaz plays with excellent flair.

The film efficiently strikes a chord by underscoring the vanity that is sometimes associated with dreams, and their potential of unapologetically blurring lines of reality. The leading man, along with others, finds himself constantly juggling between the intrinsic failure and potentiality of casting the ideal 'Prem Kumar'. Amidst the drama and comedy, there also emerges a gentle, beautifully-illustrated love story, which adds a different flavour to the narrative without becoming a distraction.

The movie has a lot of idyllic instances from the States, which are further enlivened with the vibrancy of India, particularly that of Kerala. This picture-perfect juxtaposition of the western world with rustic Indian charm backed up with a versatile and robust supporting cast prompts viewers to keep their eyes glued to the screen. The screenplay, filled with humorous dialogues and well-intended melodrama, creates a jocular and light-hearted ambience.

The eclectic background score and aptly chosen soundtracks composed by Jakes Bejoy beautifully cater to the diverse scenes, complementing the story's overall feel and emotional undertones. Monsoon Mangoes manages to take you on an emotional journey that oscillates between laughter and tears. The cinematics are visually appealing, with the director’s utilisation of different shooting locations adding to the film's overall charm.

The movie does well in creating realistic characters, each showcasing their distinct quirks and eccentricities. From passionate dreamers to washed-up stars, the film draws an interesting parallel with the real world that resonates with its audience. It explores themes of ambitions, struggles, and regrets while all the while keeping its inherent humour intact.

Monsoon Mangoes is not just a drama-comedy film; it offers a funny yet profound insight into the world of aspirational filmmakers and washed-up actors. A great potpourri of stirring moments and hilarity, this film is definitely worth a watch for those who seek to experience a mix of comedy and drama that is set in stark realities of life without ever losing a touch of quirky humour in the process.

In conclusion, Monsoon Mangoes is a well-directed film centred around the universal theme of dreams met with reality, where each character is wonderfully lifelike, and the narrative, while light with humour, never shies away from exploring the deeper intricacies of life. The ensemble cast led by Fahadh Faasil brings a special flavour to the script which, coupled with the charming direction and heartfelt scripting, makes Monsoon Mangoes a film that is enjoyable and meaningful in equal measures.