Nalla Nilavulla Rathri movie review: This Baburaj, Chemban Vinod-starrer is money down the drain

Kurian (Baburaj) and his relative Paul (Sajin Cherukayil) introduce the former’s collegemates Dominic (Jinu Joseph), Peter (Rony David), Joshi (Binu Pappu), and Rajeev (Nithin George), who run an organic vegetable business in Kanthalloor, to a large firm interested in purchasing their products in bulk. At the same time, Kurian suggests that they acquire a 266-acre plot in Shimoga (Shivamogga), Karnataka, which he claims will facilitate business expansion. However, unbeknownst to the others, the land actually belongs to Kurian himself, who is desperately trying to secure funds to repay a loan from the ruthless Achayan (Sai Kumar).

Despite the hesitation of Peter and Rajeev, the self-serving Dominic and Joshi decide to move forward with the purchase. To inspect the land before finalising the deal, they all travel to Shimoga and stay in a bungalow situated on the property. In the meantime, Dominic and Joshi invite their notorious old friend Irumpan (Chemban Vinod), a troublemaker and influential figure in their group, without informing the rest. 

With Irumpan’s arrival, the atmosphere changes, and hidden secrets among the group members begin to emerge. As night falls, tensions escalate, reaching a climax when they are attacked by unknown and bloodthirsty outsiders, giving the film a slasher outlook. In a state of confusion about their next course of action, the ‘friends’ desperately flee for their lives, and the remainder of the movie focuses on their relentless pursuit of survival.

Right from the start, Nalla Nilavulla Rathri fails to effectively convey its intended message to the audience. Despite the makers’ attempts to portray Dominic and Joshi as profit-driven individuals, while presenting Peter and Rajeev as those who consider the business as their own child since they initiated it, the script lacks pivotal moments that establish their characters. Instead, their motives are forcefully conveyed through dialogues, which lack subtlety. On the other hand, although Kurian is introduced as a towering figure, once feared by all during his college days now grappling with personal crises, the absence of situations that truly showcase his toughness makes him seem out of place within the gang. It is only because the character has been portrayed by Baburaj, known for his villainous roles, that the viewers may overlook this misfit impression. Despite the anticipation that accompanies the arrival of Chemban Vinod’s character, the film fails to provide adequate moments that justify why Irumpan should be feared until the third act unfolds.

While the film explores the universal theme of the various facets of human nature and the dominance of selfishness over emotions and personal connections, the absence of impactful situations results in a disconnect between the movie and its audience. 

Conversely, the portrayal of the local inhabitants, likely tribals, in the movie is highly problematic. It follows a troubling pattern observed throughout history, where tribals are often depicted in a repugnant or animalistic manner. Nalla Nilavulla Rathri perpetuates these problematic portrayals by utilising specific techniques. The inclusion of the sounds of bloodthirsty dogs in the background and the use of makeup and features that make the characters resemble cannibals further reinforce the unjust stereotypes associated with tribals, which have persisted in cinema since its early days.

The excessive and unwarranted utilisation of slow motion in various instances is bound to become tiresome for viewers. Additionally, the movie suffers from significant issues with lip-syncing, which further compounds the problems of an already struggling production. Despite the makers’ attempt to inject humour into the story through the character Paul, none of the jokes seems to land or add any value to the overall film. Moreover, the computer-generated animals appear unconvincing and cheap, further detracting from the overall viewing experience.

In terms of performances, none of the actors succeeds in delivering anything remarkable. Director Murphy Devasy should have dedicated more attention to the technical aspects, as films of this kind rely not on dialogue alone but on the overall execution and craftsmanship. 

While Ajay David Kachappilly’s cinematography initially leaves a positive impression, it ultimately fails to rescue the film. Similarly, Kailas’ music, with the exception of the popular “Thaanaro Thannaro” track, lacks the spark and enthusiasm required to captivate the audience.

The only aspect deserving of praise is the neatly-choreographed action sequences by Rajasekhar. While the stunts do deliver an exhilarating adrenaline rush, the absence of a high-quality BGM and the failure of other technical elements detract from the audience’s enjoyment and overall viewing experience during these moments.

In short, Nalla Nilavulla Rathri can be seen as a slasher film; however, the only thing it truly slashes is the viewers’ bank balances, particularly when the month-end is here.

Nalla Nilavulla Rathri movie cast: Baburaj, Chemban Vinod Jose, Jinu Joseph, Binu Pappu, Rony David, Ganapathi
Nalla Nilavulla Rathri movie director: Murphy Devasy
Nalla Nilavulla Rathri movie rating: 0.5 stars