Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord is a captivating 2014 Indian Malayalam drama film based on Zacharia's novel of the same name. Flawlessly directed by Shibu Gangadharan, the movie stars veterans of the Malayalam film industry – Reenu Mathews, Mohan Ayiroor, and Sajitha Beti. The movie is a beautiful adaptation that retains the spirit of the novel while incorporating visual elements that are unique to the medium of cinema.

Praise the Lord showcases the story of two contrasting individuals and their distinct perspectives on life. The protagonist, Joy (Mohan Ayiroor) is a rich farmer and a believer in the goodness of people, religion, and life. The narrative builds Joy as a character cherished by all for his benevolence, even when his generosity often supporting the lazy and opportunistic people in his community.

Joy's faith is truly tested when Sam (Reenu Mathews) enters his life. Sam, an outsider, is a totally contrasting character to Joy who leads a life that is far detached from faith, rules, and societal norms. The character of Sam injects a certain level of mystery into the narrative. This is because he represents many people in modern society, those who value living life to the fullest and have a rational approach towards their existence.

The chance meeting of these two characters sets the plot in motion, leading the narrative into an intertwining tale of faith, resilience, goodness, friendship, and romance. Praise the Lord, then, goes on to explore what happens when these two completely different worlds collide.

The narrative unfolds within the beautiful settings of a picturesque village in Kerala, which adds a layer of visual appeal to the film. The cinematography done by Pradeep Nair enhances the exquisite beauty of the locale, infusing every scene with an air of authenticity and a charm that is particularly characteristic of rural Kerala.

Moreover, the film's injection of intrigue, suspense, and dramatic elements into an otherwise placid rural setting is done in an extremely balanced and appealing manner. This is achieved by an excellent screenplay, which blends moments of humor, high emotion, spine-chilling moments, moving moments and absorbing drama to create a well-rounded cinematic narrative.

One of the most commendable aspects of Praise the Lord is its sincere portrayal of characters. The brilliance of Mohan Ayiroor's acting skills is clearly evident in the way he effortlessly steps into the shoes of the character Joy, giving him a unique persona that easily resonates with the audience. On the other hand, Reenu Mathews as Sam does a commendable job, bringing to life a complex character that provides some of the most dramatic moments in the film.

Sajitha Beti's role in Praise the Lord unfolds as the story progresses; she contributes to the film by adding depth to the plot through her multi-layered character. The nuanced performances by the supporting cast further elevate the film.

The music provided by Shaan Rahman engulfs the narrative with emotional depth, helping to accentuate the moments of joy, sorrow, contemplation, and turmoil in the storyline. Notably, the film also maintains a good balance of comedy and drama, keeping viewers engaged throughout. There is comic relief sprinkled generously that lightens the heavy moments without turning the overall narrative trivial.

Praise the Lord is a thought-provoking film that explores human nature and life philosophies from a fresh perspective. The captivating storyline, gripping performances, captivating settings, and the film's unique charm make it a must-watch. It is a beautifully presented visual narrative that combines comedy, drama, and the realities of life into one captivating piece of cinema. Praise the Lord is not just a movie, but an experience that leaves you pondering about life, faith, and human nature.