Second Show

Second Show is an Indian Malayalam film released in 2012, directed by Sreenath Rajendran and produced by AOPL Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The movie marked the outstanding debuts of lead actor Dulquer Salmaan, son of the legendary Mohanlal, as well as the director Sreenath Rajendran, cinematographer Pappu, and lead actress Gauthami Nair. Sunny Wayne also played a significant role and received appreciation. The movie is a gripping tale of friendship and betrayal, skillfully intertwined with the dark and raw realities of the underworld of smuggling.

The storyline primarily revolves around two best friends, Lalu (starred by Dulquer Salmaan) and Kurudi (played by Sunny Wayne), who make their living as car importers in the unusual and uncertain town of Companypadi. Their livelihood gets a significant impact when they unexpectedly get tangled into smuggling. Their resilience and struggle to navigate through this tumultuous journey form the backbone of the storyline, while their intense friendship gets tested through trials and tribulations, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Salmaan, who portrays the character of Lalu, with his innocent face and rugged charm, effortlessly brings out the strong-willed and brave persona of his character who despite being an underworld figure resonates with the audience and becomes an endearing character. Sunny Wayne, who is seen in the role of Kurudi, a mute but loyal friend to Lalu, showcases a splendid understanding of his character. He has performed an amazing job in portraying his character with just signs and expressions, getting the emotions through without words. Their bromance adds a unique flavor to this otherwise dark-themed movie.

The raw and visceral narrative of the movie presents the audience with an uncensored depiction of the underworld. The raw characterization, realistic portrayal of harsh realities and the candid narrative style altogether give a refreshing perspective on the grim underworld scenario which is not usually witnessed in mainstream cinema. The movie does not shy away from presenting the world of smuggling in its most unaltered form: dark, dangerous, and filled with deep uncertainty.

Adding to the potency of the narrative, the breathtaking cinematography by Pappu, deeply captures the scenic beauty of Kerala while simultaneously bringing out the tension and grimness of the underworld. The contradictions are aesthetically balanced, proving Pappu's impressive talent.

Gauthami Nair in her debut film portrays the character of an innocent girl next door who falls in love with Lalu. Her tender performance adds the much-needed softness to the rough and tough ambiance of the tale.

The movie is further complimented by a soulful background score and good script-writing. Avial band's music injects life into the visuals and makes a powerful background score. The direction by Sreenath Rajendran is edgy and indulges the audience into the world of crime, friendship, and suspense that Second Show creates.

In conclusion, Second Show serves as an intense and brilliant directorial debut by Sreenath Rajendran. It is a compelling story of friendship, treachery, love, and crime, set against the backdrop of the dark world of smuggling. As a debut movie, Dulquer Salmaan, Gauthami Nair, and Sunny Wayne have given remarkable performances that further enhance the promising script. Pappu's cinematography and Avial’s music bring out the unpredictability and grimness of the storyline while the beautiful scenic images of Kerala strike a fine balance with the underworld scenes. Every aspect of this crime thriller cum friendship drama cum love story has been executed with finesse, making it an unforgettable movie. The film remains an excellent debut for the actors and directors involved, signifying a bright future in the industry. Despite its dark and grim undertones, Second Show emerges triumphantly by portraying raw human emotions flawlessly.