Ain

Inside the theater, three men sitting at the back row where constantly commenting about the nature of certain characters in the movie Ain. The sort of blaming they were doing in a way establishes the necessity of a film like Ain. Much like Cr No. 89, Ain is also a film that discusses about the social responsibility factor where it silently preaches you to do your bit. Made on an extremely low budget, Ain is a technically highly compromised creation with an impressive thought.

Maanu is this young man who doesn’t have a proper job. He is a local butcher and his family members aren’t that happy with that way of earning. On a particular day, Maanu happens to witness something terrifying and the scared young fellow flew from his home town. The “fugitive” (not exactly) life of Maanu that transforms him to be selfless is what Ain (Eye) talking about.

Sidharth Siva takes ample time to show us how unfocused our central protagonist is. He doesn’t know the reason for most of the religious rituals he does; he doesn’t know how people were taking advantage of him. And such a selfish person gets into a situation that asks him to think from the other’s perspective. The rights and wrongs of political murders that happen in Kerala get discussed in the content without losing the emotional sharpness. The predictability of certain back stories is there as a demerit, but the realistic conversations makes it less dramatic.

Musthafa shines in the main role as Maanu. The body language, expressions and dilemma of an unfocused, unquestioning and naïve mind was there in his performance. Rachana Narayanankutty becomes slightly theatrical at some places. Sudhakaran Nair was good in his performance and the rest of cast was also okay.

As I said, Sidharth Siva uses sufficient time to make us familiar with the mindset of is hero. The script becomes slightly predictable in the second half of the film. But that climax comprising of media sensationalism, the political power play and Maanu’s realization about the value of a life puts the movie in that sensible real zone. The other technical aspects like cinematography, art etc. are very much in the least impressive zone. Music was fine.

Overall, Ain is an interesting thought performed and narrated neatly. The rating for the movie is 3/5. Those interested in small budget film making will find this movie really encouraging.