The Great Father

The Great Father is a 2017 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film directed by Haneef Adeni and produced by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Arya, Santhosh Sivan, and Shaji Nadesan. The film features a stellar cast that includes megastar Mammootty, Arya, Sneha, Shaam, and Anikha. Given its high-profile cast, gripping storyline, and immersive performances, The Great Father became a significant hit in the Malayalam film industry, further solidifying Mammootty's status as an actor par excellence.

The film weaves a tale that intertwines family emotions and crime thriller elements. The central character is David Ninan (Mammootty), who stands out as a loving father and a successful businessman. He lives with his wife Michelle (Sneha), and his adoring daughter Sara (Anikha), in a serene environment ideal for family life. Suddenly, their seemingly perfect world get shattered by an unexpected event.

One day, an unseen terror waltzes into their blissful world, affecting their tranquility, especially the life of their daughter, Sara. Ninan finds himself in the unexpected role of a protector as the tragedy forces him to unravel the mystery. Mammootty portrays David as a pillar of strength, fierce and determined, ready to block out anything that could harm his family. He assumes the role of an avenging father showcasing his grit and determination in protecting the ones he loves.

Sneha, playing the role of Michelle, delivers an earnest performance as a caring wife who supports her husband through thick and thin and is a tender, loving mother. An integral part of this narrative, the audience witnesses the raw emotions and strengths of a woman in distress. Arya, essaying an essential character, offers a strong performance leaving a significant mark on the film.

The movie also incorporates a gripping crime investigation plot, featuring Shaam as an intelligent and diligent police officer, who sheds light on the underlying mystery that threatens to disrupt David's family.

Director Haneef Adeni’s script interweaves the aforementioned characters into a compelling narrative that explores a highly sensitive subject. Rajoy Alfes's cinematography successfully captures the tension and mystery required for a crime thriller. His camera work adds to the intense atmosphere, often presenting the picturesque landscape of Kerala's rural regions starkly contrasted with the dark underbelly of crime.

Gopi Sundar's music and background score elevate the overall suspense and melodrama enhancing the emotional heft of the movie. His score encapsulates a range of emotions, adding to the storytelling, and building tension and realization at the right moments.

While ‘The Great Father’ speaks volumes about familial ties, particularly father-daughter bond, it also subtly comments on society's evils and the dire need for justice and resistance. It also emphasizes the lengths to which a loving father would go to ensure the safety of his child. The movie navigates through intense emotions while situating itself firmly within the realm of a thriller, constantly keeping the audience on the edge.

Through 'The Great Father', Haneef Adeni probes deep into human nature, capturing the manifestation of rage when those we love and wish to protect are threatened. The movie affords viewers an immersive experience into a world where family, love, and justice intersect with menace, anxiety, and revenge.

If you enjoy an enthralling mix of familial bonds, staggering performances, and a gripping storyline with elements of crime and mystery, The Great Father is a must-watch. Exciting, emotional, and evocative, this film stands as another testament to Mammootty's prolific acting prowess and is a notable addition to the new-age Malayalam cinema.