Red Wine

Red Wine, a thought-provoking and engaging thriller, is an Indian Malayalam Language film released in 2013. The film enjoys the superb direction of Salam Bapu and a powerful screenplay by Noushad Abu and is decked with stellar performances by Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, and Asif Ali in pivotal roles.

The story revolves around two main characters Anoop (Fahadh Fasil) and Abi (Asif Ali) who hail from completely different backgrounds yet a twist of fate brings their lives together. Anoop is a successful employee in a reputed company while Abi is a social activist. Unknown to each other, their lives become intertwined beyond expectations in an unanticipated turn of events.

Mohanlal plays the role of a police officer named Ratheesh Vasudevan, who is caught up in the whirlwind of mystery, deceit, and suspense that surrounds the life-altering encounter between Anoop and Abi. His character adds depth and profundity to the narrative with his astute sense of judgment and skilful investigative techniques.

Salam Bapu does an exceptional job of painting the cinematic canvas with shades of suspense, drama and intense thriller, deftly using the premise of a murder mystery that hooks the audience right from the get-go. Throughout the unfolding of the plot, the movie explores relevant social issues, thereby giving it a humane side besides simply being a thriller.

The dual portrayal of city-life sophistication alongside rural innocence by Fahadh Fasil and Asif Ali respectively demonstrates the versatility of Malayalam cinema and adds a unique color to the storyline. The characters effectively showcase the contrast in their personalities and lifestyles, which forms a core aspect of the film's narrative.

Mohanlal, with his usual finesse and commendable acting prowess, does justice to the role of an earnest cop. His righteous character, investigative shrewdness, and commitment to duty uplift the overall feel of the movie. His role emerges as a guiding force in the puzzling entanglement of events and drives the narrative towards its climactic revelation.

The movie tackles potent social issues and raises pertinent questions, thus moving beyond its crime-thriller genre and contributing to its overall depth. Its critique on social inequalities and the gap between societal classes is very much a part of the movie, demonstrating its ambition to deliver food for thought to the audience.

The cinematography, managed by Manoj Pillai, is top-notch. The presentation of both urban and rural Kerala have been captured with absolute clarity and beauty, setting a perfect backdrop for the drama. The music, composed by Bijibal, adds charm and depth to the narrative. The eerie background scores perfectly complement the suspenseful thriller sequences and make the plot more immersive.

The supporting roles, played by Anusree, Meghana Raj, Mia George and Saiju Kurup, add scales of intensity and a certain allure to the narrative. With their stellar performances, they complement the lead actors and contribute to the movie's sense of enchantment and intrigue.

Red Wine's strength lies in its unique story, impactful performances, and tackling contemporary issues. This blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary makes it a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema and the crime-thriller genre.

Though the movie progresses through a thriller's usual pace, Salam Bapu successfully introduces social dilemmas and sketches some of the most unforgettable characters that Malayalam cinema has ever seen. In addition to the plot’s numerous twists and turns, the movie continues to surprise and intrigue the audience, making Red Wine a thrilling ride, worth taking.

Undeniably, the compelling performances combined with the intricate narrative structure set Red Wine apart in the realm of Malayalam cinema. It exemplifies a high quality cinematic experience that blends intrigue with underlying social messages seamlessly. Its thought-provoking narrative pushes the boundaries of the thriller genre, making Red Wine a remarkable film that is bound to leave audiences both entertained and profoundly moved.