Despite the uneven writing and humor that only works in parts, Roshan Andrews’ film is chaotic for its own good.
Despite the uneven writing and humor that only works in parts, Roshan Andrews’ film is chaotic for its own good.
Saturday night Is a wild, crazy ride that borders on the bizarre. The story of four men – Stanley, Sunil, Justin and Ajith – who have been friends since school and college, has moments. The message of the Roshan Andrews film appears to be to live life to the fullest, without complications, and to keep friendships alive, but the path to essence is not simple and often turns complicated. The film, written by Naveen Bhaskar, tries hard to be funny, but the jokes seldom land. The works that do, however, are original and funny.
The 30-something friends, essayed by Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Saiju Kurup and Siju Wilson, got back together after the film fell for two and a half hours. The familiar “friends-over-everything” trope gets a twist, with the four going their separate ways very early in the film. Late Pratap Pothen appears as Stanley’s father who tries to make peace between friends.
Saturday Night (Malayalam)
the director: Roshan Andrews
Throw: Nivin Pauly, Saiju Kurup, Aju Varghese, Siju Wilson, Grace Antony, Sania Ayyappan, Sherry, Pratap Pothen
Order: 122 minutes
Story: Four friends reunite after eight years and re-establish their friendship
Though Nivin Pauly has shouldered the film, he doesn’t like it; Other characters also get their due in writing. In fact, Andrew makes good use of Saiju, Aju and Siju. Grace Anthony, the yesteryear actress Sari, and Sania Ayyappan have been used sparingly, however, as they have not been explored despite their character’s potential. Maybe since the movie is about male relationships and bromance – think of street movies as heart wants, Life will not happen again And others – women have nothing more to do than serve as a catalyst for action.
Nivin Pauley is beloved as Stanley, who was ‘stuck’ in the past – the happiest time of his life – and who would do anything for his friends. Nivin has gained weight over the years, an explanation for which – Stanley’s love of food and not caring about the kilos he gains – is woven into the narrative. No other actor of the current gym going crop could possibly be so confident and comfortable with the look. Be it unintentional, it sends a nice body-positivity message.
Siju Wilson impresses as Ajith, who is forced into marriage with his boss’s daughter, played by Grace (who also stands up to great comic timing). The chemistry of the actors brings to life the film, which at times seems like it is everywhere. But situational comedy is guaranteed to make you laugh, as it is unpredictable.
The narrative is non-linear, with occasional jump-cuts (as in flashbacks). While the first half seems to be a mishmash of sequences, an explanation for Stanley’s character and motive comes along with the second half. Still, there are some things one can’t help but wonder when you leave the movie hall – like, why does Sunil always go to that room (toilet?) and lock himself up?
The editing could have been difficult and the writing taut, considering how some scenes/situations – such as a car chase in the UAE and scenes featuring illegal Pakistani immigrants – seem unnecessary. At one point in the movie the action is chaotic with almost everyone wearing a poncho-type outfit and brightly colored sneakers!
Many times, multiple threads – mental health, self-help, therapy, drug addiction, memory loss – form a confusing knot to unpick. One can’t help but wonder what attempt was made to bring the madness excessive intoxication movies. Such as the ‘pumpkin race’ at the end, where the four friends make a dash for it, in their birthday suits, wearing ‘pumpkins’ carved on their heads. Whimsical or weird? It suits the mood of the film…
Saturday Night is currently playing in theaters