Malayalam cinema veteran director Jeethu Joseph needs no introduction today. The phenomenal success of the Mohanlal starrer ‘Drishyam’ made him one of the most reliable and creative storytellers of Indian cinema. The success of ‘Drishyam 2’, which was critically acclaimed globally despite its OTT release, proved that Jeethu Joseph has the uncanny knack of capturing the audience’s pulse. Malayalam cinema is known for its epic and unique stories, and Valthu Vashte Kaaleen (meaning: Thief on the Right) is a new and impressive addition to the same category. The film captures many emotions at once – fear, laughter and ultimately a deep message.
the plot
The story of the film revolves around a middle class family and a thief. The story accelerates when one night a thief accidentally enters a house where something unexpected has already happened.
Often in films the thief is shown as the villain but here the director has given an interesting twist. As the secrets of the “civilized” people inside the house are revealed, the audience is forced to wonder who the real ‘burglar’ or ‘criminal’ is – the lockpicker from outside, or the masked insider.
Strong points of the film
A Perfect Blend of Tight Script and Dark Comedy The biggest strength of this film is its script, which strikes a perfect balance between dark comedy and thriller. The author weaves humor and tension even in seemingly ordinary situations in such a way that the audience remains intrigued every moment. The film’s satirical tone attacks the so-called ‘civilized’ class of society, making the story not only entertaining but also thought provoking.
The realistic portrayal of human nature and the acting of the actors is the second strongest pillar of the film. The actor has shown amazing naturalness in the character of the thief; Her innocence and wit come together on screen. On the other hand, members of other castes as housemates live much deeper in the layers of human greed, fear and hypocrisy. The dialogues between the characters and the ups and downs of their emotions make the film very lively.
Effective direction and brilliant use of limited scope, the director does not let the thrill of the film diminish despite using limited resources and a single location (indoors). Shooting the entire film in one closed location is challenging, but through camera angles and lighting, the director has created a mysterious and suffocating atmosphere, which the story demands. It shows the maturity of the direction that the audience’s attention does not wander anywhere.
The deep connection between morality and social message makes the film not just a heist, but explores the blurred line between morality and ‘right vs wrong’. This conveys the message perfectly that criminals are not only law breakers, but also those who occupy high positions in the eyes of the society and do immoral things. The ending of the film leaves a deep impression on the minds of the audience and prompts them to evaluate their moral values.
weak side
slow motion: The movie starts a bit slow and the story takes time to reach the main point.
Limited appeal: This is not a ‘Maas’ masala film. Those who only like action or fast-paced thrillers may find this film a bit ‘artsy’.
Valthu Vashte Clean is a film that needs to be watched with an open mind. It not only entertains you but also makes you think about the double standards of the society. If you are a fan of the realistic and dark thrillers of Malayalam cinema, then this movie will be a great experience for you.
Rating: 4/5