Vikramadithyan

Vikramadithyan is a 2014 Malayalam coming-of-age drama directed by Lal Jose, starring Dulquer Salmaan, Unni Mukundan, and Namitha Pramod in the lead roles.

Set in the backdrop of beautiful Kochi, Vikramadithyan narrates the story of two young men, Vikraman (Unni Mukundan) and Adithyan (Dulquer Salmaan), who share the same name as heroes of an old fable but delve into a realm of rivalry and intense competition. The movie explores the fascinating forwards and backwards movement of their journey, along their struggle to win their common and most cherished dream.

Dulquer Salmaan and Unni Mukundan embody the characters of Adithyan and Vikraman respectively with earnestness and consistency. Their portrayals of competitive ambitiousness and raw determination stand out impressively in the fabric of the film. Namitha Pramod, playing the role of Deepika, skillfully adds to the dynamics of the story.

Vikraman is presented as the son of Vasudeva Shenoy (Anoop Menon), a police inspector. Raised in an environment of ethical sternness and high morality, Vikraman tends to believe in right and wrong, and structurally follows law and order. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when his father faces severe disgrace, which fuels Vikraman's ambition to redeem his father's honor.

Adithyan, on the other hand, is born in a less privileged background. His mother, Lakshmi (Lena), is a street-side vegetable vendor, who raises him single-handedly. Despite life's harsh blows, Adithyan's brimming ambitiousness is inspiring and his determination unwavering.

The plot thickens when Vikraman and Adithyan become close friends because of an incident during their childhood. Their friendship gets tested with time when they discover they both aspire to become police officers, thus sparking an intense competition between the two. This is further fueled by their shared love for Deepika (Namitha Pramod), the same woman they both have been enthralled by.

The remarkable aspect of Vikramadithyan is the artful manner in which Lal Jose manages to intertwine a classic theme of rivalry with elements of humour, family drama, romance, and ambition. The director successfully delivers a captivating narrative that captures human aspiration, complexities, and struggle for success.

Yet another palpable aspect is the realization exhibited about the fact that life is not always black and white, and sometimes, it is necessary to encounter greys. This very aspect is brought out brilliantly via the characters of Vikraman and Adithyan in diverse and distinct ways on several occasions throughout the movie.

Musically, the film has a lot to offer; songs composed by Bijibal manage to create a significant impression and are catchy. The cinematography by Jomon T. John is visually appealing, capturing the charm and spirit of Kochi beautifully. The screenplay, written by Dr. Iqbal Kuttipuram, is tight and well-crafted, not letting the attention deviate.

Overall, Vikramadithyan is a blend of drama, competition, aspiration, and moments of humour, which keeps the viewers hooked from start to finish. It beautifully explores the different facets of human emotions and ambition through storytelling that is uniquely put together by Lal Jose. Ultimately, it is Dulquer Salmaan, Unni Mukundan, and Namitha Pramod who bring the characters of Vikram and Adithyan to life and make the journey worth accompanying.

Those who enjoy films involving an engaging narrative, well-rounded character development, and an emotive exploration of human complexities should definitely give Vikramadithyan a watch. The movie not only promises an engaging narrative but also offers a beautiful depiction of personal growth, ambition, and relationship dynamics. For viewers who appreciate thoughtful and compelling storytelling, Vikramadithyan is a commendable pick.