White

White is a 2016 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama directed by debutant Uday Ananthan and produced by Joyal Augustine. The film stars the heartthrob of the Indian film industry, Mammootty, and critically acclaimed Bollywood actress, Huma Qureshi, making her Malayalam cinema debut. The additional cast members include Shankar Ramakrishnan, Siddique, Sona Nair, and K.P.A.C Lalitha, who mark their presence remarkably in the narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of London, the plot of White unravels the unique and fascinating story of Roshni Menon (Huma Qureshi) and Prakash Roy (Mammootty). Huma Qureshi plays a Malayali software engineer who resides in London while legendary actor Mammootty, portrays the character of a millionaire who is deeply absorbed in his solitude after confronting various complexities in his life. What begins as an unexpected encounter develops into an intriguing and profound relationship imbued with myriad emotions, intensity, and shared vulnerabilities.

Though White has romance at its core, the film is far from typical love stories, diving deep into the complexities and nuances of love, life, and relationships. The film is not only about the love that blooms between the protagonists, but it also skillfully tells a story of self-discovery, personal growth, and the courage to confront past traumas.

Mammootty, as the enigmatic Prakash Roy, delivers a spellbinding performance and proves once again why he is one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. His nuanced portrayal of a man dealing with the solitary consequences of immense wealth and tragic past is certainly praiseworthy. Huma Qureshi, on the other hand, brilliantly plays Roshni Menon, shifting from a naïve software engineer to a woman who is learning about life, love and her personal identity through her relationship with Prakash. Her commendable acting prowess adds a realistic and authentic touch to her performance.

This visual spectacle is shot in beautiful locales including London and Cochin that add a contrasting charm to the overall narrative. The grandeur of London and the picturesque beauty of Cochin accentuate the cinematic experience, making the audience feel absorbed in its captivating milieu. The film has been visually designed to portray the variance of life experiences of the characters in tandem with their surroundings - the bustling, modern life of London and the serene, traditional city of Cochin.

Director Uday Ananthan proves his mettle by successfully crafting a movie that serves a rich mixture of drama and romance laced with sentimentality. Despite it being his debut, he handles the subject matter with remarkable maturity, striking a perfect balance between intense and light-hearted scenes. His attention to detail and creativity is evident throughout the movie.

The soundtrack of White, composed by Rahul Raj, is another feather in its cap. Each track resonates with the theme and mood of the film, emitting emotions that are bound to move its listeners. The beautiful use of musical elements not only enhances the narrative but also leaves the audience with a memorable auditory experience.

White treads along the line of unconventional cinema, daringly exploring themes of age-gap relationships, emotional complexities, and personal growth. It provides a fresh perspective on love and relationships, breaking away from the usual tropes and stereotypes prevalent in romance narratives. The movie manages to captivate its audience by subtly oscillating between moments of utmost intensity and breezy light-heartedness, offering a wholesome cinematic experience.

Taking cues from the title, the film, hence, reflects upon the 'white' facets of life - the fallible imperfections and vulnerabilities that colorize the blandness of existence. This gracefully depicted film through the story of Roshni and Prakash, emits a broader message - Life, beneath its layers and complexities, is still significantly 'white'; a clean slate to rewrite one's narratives and a canvas to paint new possibilities.

Offering an unforgettable narrative interspersed with soulful music, remarkable performances, and breathtaking visuals, White is a film that leaves its audiences contemplating and celebrating the beautiful essence of life and love. For those seeking a romantic drama that evokes deep sentiments and compels contemplation, White is a must-watch cinema.