On 5th May, 2 films from different industries were released in the Cinemas. Both the films told the story about Kerala. The Kerala Story was about how the young, educated girls from Kerala are being brainwashed to convert their religion. 2018 was based on the floods, which hit Kerala in the year 2018. Many people have called The Kerala Story as a propaganda film, misleading film, not stating the facts, etc. The ones who didn’t like The Kerala Story should watch this film 2018 to witness The Real Kerala Story. 2018 is all about humanity, survival, courage and inspiration full of positive vibes.
Malayalam Cinema has been producing some wonderful content over the years and can be regarded as the finest movie making industry in India in terms of quality. When you have 2 talented actors like Tovino Thomas and Kunchacko Boban acting in a single film, you’re definitely in for a treat. We have seen Tovino Thomas in films like Minnal Murali, Naaradan, Kaanekkaane, Uyare, Lucifer, Kurup, etc. Tovino Thomas has never disappointed as an actor, and 2018 joins the list. Kunchacko Boban has delivered many memorable films like Anjaam Pathiraa, Nayattu, Take Off, Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Pada, etc. 2018 is another film to remember for Kunchacko Boban.
2018 is based on the floods which happened in Kerala in 2018. The film unfolds the lives of people from all walks of life who faced catastrophic consequences. The film tells a courageous story of how the brave people of Kerala put collective efforts to survive the calamity.
2018 is not about one or two individuals performing. The film deals with many people and their teamwork. Talking about Tovino Thomas (who gets maximum screen space), he has delivered a fantastic performance. Kunchacko Boban gets less screen space and fails to create much impact as compared to his other films. Aparna Balamurali doesn’t create much impact because her character doesn’t get much to explore. Asif Ali is commendable. The supporting cast which comprises many actors like Indrans, Lal, Jaffer Idukki, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Tanvi Ram, Kalaiyarasan, Sudheesh, etc. are decent in their roles. As 2018 is not about a single individual, no one gets much to explore but whenever those actors appear on-screen they have performed their parts well and do not disappoint at all. Everyone is a hero here.
Jude Anthany Joseph’s direction is well in parts and flawed in some. The content of the film is so emotional and strong that you might forget those flaws. The cinematography is fabulous. The set design and the flood scenes are presented well. Made on a low budget, the team has carried all those water sequences perfectly. Editing could have been crispier. There are many unnecessary scenes which could have been trimmed. There are many unnecessary long pauses and sequences added just for the sake of cinematic liberty to create tension among viewers.
While watching the film you feel like you are one of those victims. You feel for the victims, you cry for them, you will feel their pain because it has been said that ‘Humanity above all.’ The film scores well in emotional parts. The people’s struggle for survival can be felt as a viewer. The film has many moments full of courage and bravery which will make you clap. The film has given the best pictorial view of what happened during the floods. The film has many moments where you can celebrate. The film gives a universal message and gives an important lesson about unity and humanity which is a timeless subject.
The biggest flaw of the film is that it has many over dramatic moments which hurts the narrative. While making a realistic film, such over dramatized scenes don’t suit well and look very irritating. In some scenes one has to find logic and question the makers about that particular scene. There are many scenes which seem to be overstretched and test the patience level of viewers. Some scenes which are predictable are stretched and take a long time to reach the conclusion. These kinds of scenes and old school cliches are well suited for a television serial but not for a featured film. The director should have taken care while filming these scenes and could have presented it more effectively and impactfully. But as you are very much involved, engaged and invested in the show you can forget them. From a proper cinema’s point of view these flaws can’t be overlooked.
Overall, 2018 makes a good watch. Experience this film on a big screen. Watch this film to witness the story of courage, bravery, humanity, inspiration and celebrate the victory of survivors. Malayalam Cinema was having a dull period at the Box Office and this film has become a survival of the industry. 2018 should be watched at least once for technical brilliance. Salute to makers for attempting this topic and doing full justice to it. It looks like it was a tough task to pull this film and get it correct in terms of technicality but the makers have done it with ease. The film empathizes with you as a viewer for those people. The film is a tribute to all those survivors who have faced such difficult situations and have fought the battle without losing any hope. Watch this film for the sake of humanity and to celebrate the victory. This is The Real Kerala Story which deserves your attention.
Rating – 3/5*
Watch the trailer below:
