Big B is technically brilliant
April 16, 2007 13:38 IST
Starring Mammootty and directed by cinematographer-turned-director Amal Neerad, Big B is a highly stylised film telling the tale of Bilal (Mammootty), a former henchman of the underworld who migrated to Mumbai to work as a bodyguard for big businessmen and film stars.
Bilal, the eldest of four brothers, returns to Kochi when his mother is murdered. The film basically tells the story of his revenge on the perpetrators of the crime.
Images: Mammootty is Big B
What makes the film interesting is the technical standard that makes you feel as if you are watching a world class potboiler
There are no long winding dialogues to establish the characters and melodrama is nonexistent. Frames move at a fast pace, keeping our attention riveted to the screen.
Amal Neerad has worked on two films as cameraman with Ram Gopal Varma, and that influence is visible in the film. There are flash cuts, colour corrected frames and even a svelte heroine on the beach in a song. Even the presence of Pashupathy as the ACP Balaji reminds us of Jeeva's character in Shimit Amin's Ab Tak Chhappan.
Interview: Amal Neerad, on Mammootty's next
Sameer Thahir's camerawork is a class apart; it is contemporary and engrossing.
Mammootty is a picture of seriousness in this film. One can hardly remember seeing him smile throughout the film. His getup is impeccable, trendy jeans and jackets going well with his looks.
Nafisa Ali as the mother figure is well presented. She does justice to her role (which is under utilised considering her character's importance in the story).
Amal Neerad's directorial debut is praiseworthy for its technical brilliance. A promising start indeed.
Rediff rating: quite good